Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Required by current social custom, etiquette, or fashion; obligatory; indispensable. The term describes something that is considered essential or necessary according to the prevailing standards of a particular social or fashionable context.

Usage

• The word "de rigueur" is used as a predicate adjective, typically following a linking verb like "is," "was," or "becomes." It describes a state or condition dictated by convention.
• It is often used in formal or sophisticated contexts to discuss social norms, fashion trends, or professional etiquette.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • Wearing a black tie is de rigueur for such a formal gala.
  • In that exclusive club, knowing the right people is de rigueur for membership.
  • A smartphone has become de rigueur for modern business communication.

Advanced Usage

• "to be de rigueur": to be absolutely necessary or required by the rules of fashion or society.
  • For the interview, a suit and tie were de rigueur.
• "to become de rigueur": to transition into being a required standard.
  • Posting regular updates has become de rigueur for brands on social media.

Variants and Related Words

• Obligatory (adj): required by a rule, law, or custom.
  • Attendance at the meeting is obligatory for all managers.
• De rigueur is a loan phrase from French. It does not have direct English noun or verb variants. Its meaning is fixed as an adjective.

Synonyms

• Mandatory: required by law or rules; compulsory.
• Essential: absolutely necessary; extremely important.
• Indispensable: absolutely necessary.
• De rigueur specifically implies necessity driven by social or fashionable convention, whereas "mandatory" often implies a formal rule or law.

Antonyms

• Optional: available to be chosen but not obligatory.
• Unfashionable: not fashionable or popular.
• Taboo: prohibited or restricted by social custom.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "The done thing": (idiom) the socially acceptable or customary action.
  • Sending a thank-you note is the done thing.
• "De rigueur" itself functions as a sophisticated idiomatic phrase in English, borrowed directly from French to convey a specific nuance of social necessity.

Adjective

1. required by etiquette or usage or fashion
   • instruction as to when and where a silk hat is de rigueur