different between restraint vs stiffness

English

Etymology

From Middle English restreynte, from Old French restreinte; more at restrain.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /???st?e?nt/

  Rhymes: -e?nt

Noun

restraint (countable and uncountable, plural restraints)

1. (countable) something that restrains, ties, fastens or secures

   Make sure all the restraints are tight.

2. (uncountable) control or caution; reserve

   Try to exercise restraint when talking to your boss.

   • November 2 2014, Daniel Taylor, "Sergio Agüero strike wins derby for Manchester City against 10-man United," guardian.co.uk

     City will feel nonplussed when they review the tape and Pellegrini had to summon all his restraint in the post-match interviews.

Related terms

• constraint
• restrain
• restrict

Translations

Anagrams

• retransit

English

Etymology

From Middle English stiffenes, styffenesse, styfnesse; equivalent to stiff +? -ness. Perhaps merging with Middle English stithnesse, stithnysse, from Old English st?þness (“stiffness”).

Noun

stiffness (countable and uncountable, plural stiffnesses)

1. Rigidity or a measure of rigidity.
2. Inflexibility or a measure of inflexibility.
3. Inelegance; a lack of relaxedness.
   • 1699, William Temple, Heads designed for an essay on conversations

     Study gives strength to the mind; conversation, grace: the first apt to give stiffness, the other suppleness: one gives substance and form to the statue, the other polishes it.

4. Muscular tension due to unaccustomed or excessive exercise or work; soreness.

Translations