Word
forceful
Phoneticsforce·ful, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔɹsfəɫ/
UK/fˈɔːsfəl/
Definition
adj. strong and powerful in a way that makes people listen or take action. You use it to describe someone who has a lot of energy and influence.
adj. characterised by great physical strength or mental power; possessing the capacity to persuade or compel through intensity. Often used to describe personalities, arguments, or physical movements.
Examples
“She gave a forceful speech that convinced everyone.”
“The manager made a forceful argument for increasing the department's budget during the annual meeting.”
“Despite the diplomat's calm exterior, his forceful personality dominated the negotiations and ensured that his country's primary interests were protected in the final treaty.”
Examples
simple
“She gave a forceful speech that convinced everyone.”
contextual
“The manager made a forceful argument for increasing the department's budget during the annual meeting.”
complex
“Despite the diplomat's calm exterior, his forceful personality dominated the negotiations and ensured that his country's primary interests were protected in the final treaty.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.
Pitfall
He is a very forced person
He is a very forceful person
Learners often confuse 'forced' (meaning unnatural or coerced) with 'forceful' (meaning powerful and persuasive).
Real-World Examples
“He writes about these years with a forceful and moving honesty.” “A forceful response – exactly as the Russians deserve for all the deaths they have brought.” Etymology
From force + -ful.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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