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de rigueur

de rigueur

5 9.6
Expected because of good manners or fashion in a certain situation
  • idiom
  • /də rɪˈɡɜr/
translation icon : de rigueur
  • In today's professional world, a polished resume is de rigueur for any job application.
  • became de rigueur
  • almost de rigueur

So that then with that combined to the shrinking budgets Once Upon a time, I think they probably didn't hack phones de rigueur.

Examples

  • Such sequences are increasingly de rigueur in the genre.

    Academic text (2003)
  • Wearing formal attire is de rigueur at the gala, so everyone dressed in elegant gowns and tuxedos.

  • A letter of introduction from a Brazilian academic authority is de rigueur.

    Academic text (1997)
  • The one-size-fits-all approach has become de rigueur in American public schools.

    Academic text (2002)
  • During the tumultuous 1960s, for example, public school dress codes were de rigueur.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Multiple viewpoints and multiple plots seem to be de rigueur these days, especially in thrillers.

    Academic text (2009)
  • The strong interpersonal bonds created by a gift make giving almost de rigueur at ceremonial events.

    Academic text (2004)
  • No longer is holding obsessively to a single period or style de rigueur in home furnishing; eclecticism is acceptable.

    Academic text (2002)
  • At the annual fashion show, extravagant outfits are de rigueur, showcasing the latest trends and styles.

Synonyms

standard
vsde rigueur
675 2.7

Generally used and accepted as correct

is an expected social rule in certain situations, not a general model
conventional
vsde rigueur
175 2.8

Doing things in the usual way most people expect, not new or original

is required or expected by etiquette or current fashion rather than just usual
customary
vsde rigueur
70 3.5

Something done because of tradition or habit

is seen as necessary or expected in certain social situations
obligatory
vsde rigueur
  • Formal
27 5.3

Required by law, rule, or authority

is required specifically by etiquette or current fashion
comme il faut
vsde rigueur
  • Formal
1 9.9

Proper and polite in a way accepted by society

is treated as required by etiquette or fashion rather than merely proper

Antonyms

300 1.6

More than is needed or wanted

99 3.3

Not required, so you can choose whether to have or use it

How Required

obligatory
  • Formal
27 5.3
de rigueur
5 9.6
customary
70 3.5
expected
1.2
optional
99 3.3

Surface Forms

de rigueur positive

Morphology

de + rigueur

This is a French loanphrase whose parts ('de' and 'rigueur') are not English words for a typical B1 learner; the literal components ('of/from' + 'rigour/strictness') do not directly yield the conventional sense 'required by etiquette or fashion'. If a learner knew the French constituents they could partially infer a sense of strictness/necessity, so the connection is partial but not fully predictable.

Etymology

De rigueur comes from French and the word rigueur meant strict rules of behavior. So something called de rigueur is seen as 'required' or expected in a particular situation.