English Reference

Word

strength

US/ˈstɹɛŋkθ/

UK/stɹˈɛŋθ/

Definitions

01physical power

A2

n. the physical power that lets you lift heavy things or move your body.

n. the quality of being physically strong; the capacity of an object or person to withstand or exert great force.

“He didn't have the strength to lift the heavy suitcase by himself.”

“The structural strength of the bridge was tested by engineers before it was officially opened to heavy vehicle traffic.”

Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general quality; countable when referring to specific forces.

Synonyms

Antonyms

02emotional or mental power

B1

n. the ability to stay calm and brave during a difficult or sad time.

n. mental or emotional resilience; the capacity to endure hardship or maintain resolve.

“She showed great strength after losing her job and immediately started looking for a new one.”

“It takes considerable inner strength to admit one's mistakes in a professional environment where perfection is expected.”

03intensity or potency

B1

n. how powerful or concentrated something is, like a smell, a light, or a drink.

n. the degree of intensity or potency of a force, substance, or feeling.

“The strength of the wind increased as the storm moved closer to the coast.”

“The pharmacist explained that the strength of the medication would be adjusted based on the patient's response to the initial dose.”

Antonyms

mildnessdilution

04a positive attribute

B1

n. a particular skill or good quality that someone has.

n. a specific quality or attribute that provides an advantage or makes someone effective.

“Public speaking is one of her greatest strengths as a manager.”

“During the interview, the candidate was asked to identify both his professional strengths and areas where he required further development.”

Antonyms

05total number of people

B2

n. the total number of people in a group, like an army or a team.

n. the full complement of personnel in a military unit or organisation.

“The police force is back to full strength after the new officers finished their training.”

“The battalion was at half strength following the winter campaign, necessitating an immediate call for reinforcements from the capital.”

Formal

Synonyms

Etymology

From Middle English strengthe, from Old English strengþu (“strength”), from Proto-West Germanic *strangiþu (“strongness; strength”), equivalent to strong + -th (abstract nominal suffix). Cognate with Dutch strengte (“strength”), German Low German Strengde, Strengte (“harshness; rigidity; strictness; severity”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Collocations

measure strengthreduce strengthstrength assess

Word family

Idioms

go from strength to strength — To continue to get stronger, more and more successful.

inner strength — Integrity of character; resoluteness of will; mental resistance to doubt or discouragement.

save one's strength — To avoid waste one's energy or efforts.

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Very common
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference