Strong
/strɔːŋ/
Definitions
5 meaningsHaving the physical power or ability to withstand force or overcome resistance.
/strɔːŋ/
Having physical power; able to exert great force.
He is a strong athlete.
💡 Simply: Imagine you can lift a really heavy box! Being strong means you have the muscles to do tough jobs. Like when you help your mom carry groceries or when you push someone on a swing.
👶 For kids: Being able to lift heavy things or do hard things. Like when a superhero uses their strong muscles!
More Examples
The rope is strong enough to hold the weight.
She has a strong grip.
How It's Used
"The weightlifter was incredibly strong."
"He needed a strong person to help him move the furniture."
Possessing considerable power, influence, or authority.
/strɔːŋ/
Having a lot of power or influence.
The company has a strong brand.
💡 Simply: Think of someone who's a leader or a boss. If they have a lot of power and people listen to them, they're strong. It's like a superhero with a really important job!
👶 For kids: Being in charge or having a lot of power, like the boss!
More Examples
He has a strong influence on the team.
The government has a strong stance on the issue.
How It's Used
"The president held a strong position in the debate."
"They have a strong market presence."
Able to withstand force or pressure; not easily broken or damaged; stable.
/strɔːŋ/
Having a firm or secure foundation.
The relationship is built on strong trust.
💡 Simply: Think of a building that won't fall down. That's a strong foundation, and if you have a friend you trust a lot, that's a strong friendship. Like a sturdy tree that won't blow down.
👶 For kids: Staying steady and not falling down! Like a strong house or a strong friendship.
More Examples
The evidence provides a strong basis for the argument.
They have a strong commitment to their goals.
How It's Used
"The building has a strong foundation."
"They have a strong bond."
Having a high degree of intensity, potency, or effect.
/strɔːŋ/
Intense or potent.
The wind was strong during the storm.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really loud noise or a super yummy flavor. If something's strong in this way, it's really intense. It's like when you get a really strong hug!
👶 For kids: Being very intense, like a loud noise or a yummy taste!
More Examples
They have a strong opinion on the matter.
She experienced a strong sense of deja vu.
How It's Used
"She felt a strong emotion."
"The coffee has a strong flavor."
Of high quality, level, or standard; very good.
/strɔːŋ/
Of a high quality or standard.
The company has a strong reputation.
💡 Simply: If something is strong in terms of quality, that means it's really good or well done. Like a strong score on a test or a strong drawing!
👶 For kids: Being really good or well done! Like a strong drawing!
More Examples
The product is a strong competitor in the market.
They provided strong evidence to support their claim.
How It's Used
"The reviews of the hotel are strong."
"They delivered a strong performance."
Synonyms
Mighty
Muscular
Powerful
Robust
Authoritative
Dominant
Influential
Potent
Firm
Secure
Solid
Stable
Acute
Intense
Severe
Excellent
Exceptional
Remarkable
Antonyms
Feeble
Fragile
Frail
Ineffective
Powerless
Insecure
Faint
Mild
Inferior
Poor
Idioms & expressions
strong as an ox
Very strong and powerful.
"Despite his age, my grandfather is as strong as an ox."
come on strong
To make a forceful or bold impression, often in a sudden way.
"The new employee came on strong, immediately taking charge of the project."
a strong case
A persuasive argument or series of arguments in favor of a particular viewpoint.
"The prosecution presented a strong case against the defendant, supported by compelling evidence."
a strong point
Something in which someone excels or a particular strength.
"Her strong point is her ability to connect with customers."
From Old English *strang* and *strong*, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *strangaz*. Related to the word *string*.
The word 'strong' has existed in English since Old English, and its meaning has largely remained consistent over time, referring to physical power and force.
Memory tip
Think of a strong *string* that doesn't break under pressure.