Definition

The quality or state of being stiff, lacking in flexibility, or showing little emotion.

Example

His woodenness in the performance made it hard for the audience to connect with the character.

Conversation

Have you noticed the woodenness in her acting lately?

Yeah, it seems like she's not as natural as before.

I wonder if she's just nervous or if the role isn't a good fit.

That could be it; sometimes that woodenness really shows through.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Woodenness → It is formed from "wood" (from Old English *wudu*, meaning the material from trees) and "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "woodenness" refers to the quality or state of being like wood, often implying stiffness or lack of flexibility.

Memory Tip

Think of the material 'wood' and remember that 'woodenness' describes the state of being like wood, often stiff or inflexible.

Visually Confused Words