rigorous

Rigorous is an adjective describing thoroughness, accuracy, and strict adherence to established standards or procedures. Something described as rigorous aims to be precise, well-founded, and reproducible. In scholarly and professional contexts, rigor emphasizes clear reasoning, robust evidence, and careful control of variables, with an emphasis on reducing bias, error, and ambiguity.

Originating from Latin rigor, meaning stiffness or severity, the term entered English via Old French and Middle English. The related noun rigor appears in phrases such as 'academic rigor' and 'rigor mortis', while rigorous conveys strict discipline in method rather than harshness.

Applications span mathematics, science, engineering, education, and public policy. In mathematics, a proof is rigorous if it follows logically from axioms and leaves no unchecked assumptions. In empirical fields, rigorous methodology requires transparent procedures, precise measurements, preregistered protocols, and appropriate statistical analysis to support conclusions. In industry and regulation, rigorous standards govern testing, safety, and quality assurance.

A note of caution: rigor is relative to context. What counts as sufficiently rigorous varies by discipline, and excessive rigidity can hinder innovation or practical feasibility when ideal conditions are unattainable.