Strength

/streŋθ/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
4 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

4 meanings
1

The capacity of the body to exert force.

/streŋθ/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The quality or state of being physically strong; power and energy.

She demonstrated remarkable strength during the competition.

💡 Simply: Strength is like how much you can lift or how easily you can do tough things with your body. Like, if you can carry all your groceries at once, you have good strength!

👶 For kids: Being strong means you can lift heavy things and do hard work.

More Examples

2

The soldier's strength allowed him to carry heavy equipment for miles.

How It's Used

Physical fitness

"He focused on building his strength through weightlifting."

Sports

"The team's strength lay in its powerful forwards."

2

The ability to resist stress, pressure, or attack.

/streŋθ/

nounneutralmedium
General

The ability to withstand force or stress; resilience.

The fabric's strength ensured it wouldn't tear.

💡 Simply: Strength can also mean how well something can handle stress or pressure. Like, the strength of your relationship is how well you can handle disagreements.

👶 For kids: Being strong also means not getting broken easily, like a tough toy.

More Examples

2

She drew on her inner strength to overcome her fear.

3

The company's financial strength allowed it to weather the economic downturn.

How It's Used

Material Science

"The strength of the steel beam was tested to ensure it could support the bridge."

Emotional resilience

"She found strength in her faith during difficult times."

Tip:Think of a strong building or a resilient person.
3

A valuable or beneficial quality, asset, or skill.

/streŋθ/

nounpositivemedium
General

A quality or attribute that gives someone or something an advantage.

His leadership was a significant strength for the team.

💡 Simply: Strength can be a good thing that someone has, like a special talent or something that helps them. For example, her strength is playing the piano.

👶 For kids: Being strong can also mean something you are good at, like drawing or running fast.

More Examples

2

One of the company's strengths is its excellent customer service.

3

Her strength as a negotiator helped close the deal.

How It's Used

Business strategy

"A key strength of the company is its innovative product design."

Personal characteristics

"Her strength is her ability to communicate effectively."

Tip:Think of your best skills or the company's advantages.
4

The degree or intensity of a quality or state.

/streŋθ/

nounneutralmedium
General

The strength of the wind caused damage.

💡 Simply: Strength also means how much something is there. For example, the strength of your love for someone.

👶 For kids: Being strong can also mean how much something is there. like the power of the wind.

More Examples

2

The strength of the perfume was overpowering.

3

The strength of the evidence convinced the jury.

How It's Used

Science

"The strength of the magnetic field decreased with distance."

Emotions

"The strength of her emotions overwhelmed her."

Tip:Think of how strong a force is, like the strength of a hurricane.

Idioms & expressions

on the strength of

Because of; based on.

"He was hired on the strength of his impressive resume."

in strength

With a great display of force or numbers.

"The army advanced in strength."

From Old English *strengo, *strangðu, related to strong (adj). The -th suffix indicates an abstract noun derived from an adjective.

The word 'strength' has been used since the Old English period, with a consistent meaning related to power and ability.

Memory tip

Think of a strong athlete lifting weights.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"*strengaz (strong)"

physical strengthinner strengtha show of strengththe strength of characterstrength training

Common misspellings

strenghstrenghtstrenth

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written