adj.
Pronunciation: ' stro ̇ ŋ
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: stron · ger \ ' stro ̇ ŋ -g ə r also - ə r \ ; stron · gest \ ' stro ̇ ŋ -g ə st also - ə st \
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English strang; akin to Old High German strengi strong, Latin stringere to bind tight ― more at STRAIN
Date: before 12th century
1 : having or marked by great physical power
2 : having moral or intellectual power
3 : having great resources (as of wealth or talent)
4 : of a specified number <an army ten thousand strong >
5 a : striking or superior of its kind <a strong resemblance> b : effective or efficient especially in a specified direction < strong on watching other people work ― A. Alvarez>
6 : FORCEFUL , COGENT < strong evidence> < strong talk>
7 : not mild or weak : EXTREME , INTENSE : as a : rich in some active agent < strong beer> b of a color : high in chroma c : ionizing freely in solution < strong acids and bases> d : magnifying by refracting greatly <a strong lens>
8 obsolete : FLAGRANT
9 : moving with rapidity or force <a strong wind>
10 : ARDENT , ZEALOUS <a strong supporter>
11 a : not easily injured or disturbed : SOLID b : not easily subdued or taken <a strong fort>
12 : well established : FIRM < strong beliefs>
13 : not easily upset or nauseated <a strong stomach>
14 : having an offensive or intense odor or flavor : RANK < strong breath>
15 : tending to steady or higher prices <a strong market>
16 : of, relating to, or being a verb that is inflected by a change in the root vowel (as strive, strove, striven ) rather than by regular affixation
– strong adverb
– strong · ish \ ' stro ̇ ŋ -ish \ adjective
– strong · ly \ ' stro ̇ ŋ -l ē \ adverb
synonyms STRONG , STOUT , STURDY , STALWART , TOUGH , TENACIOUS mean showing power to resist or to endure. STRONG may imply power derived from muscular vigor, large size, structural soundness, intellectual or spiritual resources < strong arms> <the defense has a strong case>. STOUT suggests an ability to endure stress, pain, or hard use without giving way < stout hiking boots>. STURDY implies strength derived from vigorous growth, determination of spirit, solidity of construction <a sturdy table> <people of sturdy independence>. STALWART suggests an unshakable dependability < stalwart environmentalists>. TOUGH implies great firmness and resiliency <a tough political opponent>. TENACIOUS suggests strength in seizing, retaining, clinging to, or holding together < tenacious farmers clinging to an age-old way of life>.