Word
strength
US/ˈstɹɛŋkθ/
UK/stɹˈɛŋθ/
Definitions
01physical power
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.
02emotional or mental power
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.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03intensity or potency
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.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04a positive attribute
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.”
05total number of people
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
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
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.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/strength