Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Tradition-bound and obstinately opinionated: Describes a person, group, or attitude that is extremely rigid, uncompromising, and firmly fixed in their beliefs, principles, or loyalties, often to a conservative or traditional viewpoint.
   • Abounding in or bordered by rocky cliffs or scarps: Describes a physical landscape, especially a coastline, that is characterized by many rocky formations, cliffs, or steep, rugged rock faces.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Figurative - opinionated): The senator was a rock-ribbed conservative who opposed any new taxes. His rock-ribbed adherence to the old methods made him resistant to modern innovations.

• Adjective (Literal - landscape): We hiked along the rock-ribbed shores of the Atlantic. The rock-ribbed mountains stood imposingly against the sky.

Advanced Usage

• Used to emphasize extreme and unyielding steadfastness. It often carries a tone of admiration from those who share the views, and a tone of criticism for being inflexible from those who do not.

Variants and Related Words

• Die-hard (adj/n): Stubbornly resisting change or clinging to a past attitude. (e.g., )
• Inflexible (adj): Unwilling to change or compromise.
• Steadfast (adj): Resolutely firm and unwavering (often more positive in connotation than ).

Synonyms

• Figurative: Uncompromising, staunch, rigid, intransigent, dyed-in-the-wool.
• Literal: Rocky, craggy, rugged, cliff-bound.

Antonyms

• Figurative: Flexible, open-minded, moderate, adaptable.
• Literal: Smooth, flat, sandy, gentle.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Set in one's ways: Similar in meaning to the figurative use, describing someone with fixed habits or opinions.
• Stand one's ground: To refuse to retreat or change one's position, related to the steadfastness implied by .

Adjective

1. tradition-bound and obstinately opinionated
   • an inflexible (or die-hard) conservative
   • rock-ribbed republican
2. abounding in or bordered by rocky cliffs or scarps
   • the rock-ribbed coast of Maine