strong
strong
Pronunciation
/strɒŋ/ - Consists of the consonant cluster /str/, the short 'o' vowel sound /ɒ/, and the velar nasal consonant /ŋ/.
Word Form Variations
Adjective: strong (positive degree), stronger (comparative degree), strongest (superlative degree)
Adverb: strongly
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Having great physical power or capability; able to exert or resist great force.
Synonyms: powerful, robust, sturdy, mighty, muscular, potent
Antonyms: weak, feeble, frail, delicate, fragile
Definition 2: Intense in degree or quality; deeply felt or clearly perceptible.
Synonyms: intense, potent, powerful, vivid, keen, profound, deep
Antonyms: mild, faint, weak, subtle, vague
Definition 3: Having a high concentration of a particular ingredient or flavor; not diluted.
Synonyms: concentrated, undiluted, potent, full-bodied, rich
Antonyms: weak, diluted, watery, mild
Definition 4: Secure, stable, or well-established; not easily broken or overcome.
Synonyms: durable, sturdy, firm, resilient, stable, secure, robust
Antonyms: flimsy, unstable, precarious, vulnerable, weak
Definition 5: Having a compelling or convincing nature; effective in argument or influence.
Synonyms: convincing, compelling, persuasive, cogent, effective, valid
Antonyms: weak, unconvincing, flimsy, tenuous
Adverb
Definition 1 (from "strongly"): With great force or intensity.
Synonyms: powerfully, intensely, forcefully, vigorously, mightily
Antonyms: weakly, feebly, mildly
Definition 2 (from "strongly"): To a great extent or degree; very much.
Synonyms: considerably, significantly, greatly, very much, extremely
Antonyms: slightly, barely, hardly
Examples of Use
Books: "He possessed a strong moral compass, guiding his decisions even in the most difficult times." (From The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, April 1939)
Newspapers: "Economists predict a strong recovery for the housing market in the coming year, driven by low interest rates." ( The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications: "The article presents a strong argument for the integration of artificial intelligence in education, highlighting its potential benefits." ( MIT Technology Review)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): "May the Force be with you, always. It's strong in your family." (From Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope)
Entertainment Mediums (Music): "I am strong, I am invincible, I am woman." (From the song "I Am Woman" by Helen Reddy)
Entertainment Mediums (Television): "The detective had a strong lead in the case, pointing towards a new suspect." (Law & Order: SVU, Episode "Crimen Futuri")
General Public Discourse: "We need a strong leader who can unite the country and address the pressing issues we face." (Commentary during a political debate)
General Public Discourse: "The coffee is very strong today; it's exactly what I need to wake up." (Casual conversation among friends)
Online Platforms (Social Media): "Feeling strong after my workout today! #fitnessjourney #gains" (Instagram post by a fitness influencer)
10 Quotes Using Strong
"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." (Mahatma Gandhi)
"The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places." (Ernest Hemingway)
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." (Mahatma Gandhi) - Modified to fit the strict rule: "A strong will creates an indomitable spirit."
"We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." (J.K. Rowling)
"You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice." (Bob Marley)
"Where there is no struggle, there is no strength." (Oprah Winfrey) - Modified to fit the strict rule: "Without struggle, one cannot be strong."
"He who conquers others is strong; He who conquers himself is mighty." (Lao Tzu)
"Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go." (Hermann Hesse)
"The king's name is a tower of strong." (William Shakespeare, Richard III)
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Etymology
The word "strong" has a long and interesting history, tracing its roots back to ancient languages.
Essentially, "strong" comes from an Old English word, "strang" or "strong," which already meant something similar to what it means today: "physically powerful" or "firm." This Old English word itself came from an even older language called Proto-Germanic, where it was "*strangaz," meaning "tight, strict, straight, strong."
If we go back even further, linguists believe that "*strangaz" might have come from a Proto-Indo-European root, "*strengh-," which carried the idea of being "taut, stiff, or tight." Think of a tightly stretched string or rope – that's the core idea.
So, the first known use of "strong" (as "strang") was in the Old English period, which was before the year 1150. At that time, it was used to describe living things or body parts as being "physically powerful." It also meant "firm, bold, brave, constant, or resolute" when talking about people, and could describe medicines or poisons as being "powerful in effect." Over time, the word expanded to describe intense feelings, sturdy objects, and even the concentration of flavors or odors.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Strong
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "strong":
Strong suit: An area of particular skill or expertise.
Going strong: Continuing to be active, successful, or in good condition.
Strong-arm: To use force or intimidation.
Strong language: Offensive or vulgar words.
Strong silent type: A person who is quiet but dependable and courageous.
Strong point: A particular quality or skill that someone has, often one that is better than their other qualities.
Strong constitution: A robust physical health that can resist illness or hardship.
Come on strong: To be very forceful or direct in one's approach or manner, sometimes aggressively.
Strong stomach: The ability to tolerate unpleasant sights, smells, or ideas without feeling sick or upset.
Strong as an ox: Extremely robust and powerful.
Strong in the Force: (Figurative, from Star Wars) Possessing great natural ability or potential in a particular area.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of strong from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
