Strong

/strɔːŋ/

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
5 meanings4 idioms/phrases4 questions

Definitions

5 meanings
1

Having the physical power or ability to withstand force or overcome resistance.

/strɔːŋ/

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

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

2

The rope is strong enough to hold the weight.

3

She has a strong grip.

How It's Used

Sports

"The weightlifter was incredibly strong."

Everyday Life

"He needed a strong person to help him move the furniture."

2

Possessing considerable power, influence, or authority.

/strɔːŋ/

adjectivepositivemedium
General

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

2

He has a strong influence on the team.

3

The government has a strong stance on the issue.

How It's Used

Politics

"The president held a strong position in the debate."

Business

"They have a strong market presence."

Tip:A *strong* leader makes a *strong* impact.
3

Able to withstand force or pressure; not easily broken or damaged; stable.

/strɔːŋ/

adjectivepositivemedium
General

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

2

The evidence provides a strong basis for the argument.

3

They have a strong commitment to their goals.

How It's Used

Architecture

"The building has a strong foundation."

Relationships

"They have a strong bond."

Tip:A strong *foundation* makes a strong building.
4

Having a high degree of intensity, potency, or effect.

/strɔːŋ/

adjectiveneutralmedium
General

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

2

They have a strong opinion on the matter.

3

She experienced a strong sense of deja vu.

How It's Used

Emotions

"She felt a strong emotion."

Sensory Experiences

"The coffee has a strong flavor."

Tip:A *strong* feeling hits you *strongly*.
5

Of high quality, level, or standard; very good.

/strɔːŋ/

adjectivepositivemedium
General

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

2

The product is a strong competitor in the market.

3

They provided strong evidence to support their claim.

How It's Used

Product Review

"The reviews of the hotel are strong."

Performance

"They delivered a strong performance."

Tip:A *strong* performance is *strongly* appreciated.

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.

Word Origin

LanguageProto-Germanic
Original meaning

"having physical power or force; secure; intense"

strong argumentstrong evidencestrong relationshipstrong flavorstrong feelingstrong leaderstrong market

Common misspellings

stongstrongestongerstrnger

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written