/ ˈstɜːdi; NAmE ˈstɜːrdi/ adjective ( stur·dier , stur·di·est )
1.
( of an object ) strong and not easily damaged
SYN robust :
a sturdy pair of boots
a sturdy table
2.
( of people and animals, or their bodies ) physically strong and healthy :
a man of sturdy build
sturdy legs
a sturdy breed of cattle
3.
not easily influenced or changed by other people
SYN firm , determined :
The village has always maintained a sturdy independence.
► stur·dily / -ɪli; NAmE / adverb :
The boat was sturdily made.
a sturdily built young man
a sturdily independent community
► stur·di·ness noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (in the senses reckless, violent and intractable, obstinate ): shortening of Old French esturdi stunned, dazed. The derivation remains obscure; thought by some to be based on Latin turdus a thrush (compare with the French phrase soûl comme une grive drunk as a thrush).