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strength
/strɛŋθ/
power or capacity to resist force
The bridge's strength ensures it can withstand heavy traffic.
The bridge is designed to be strong enough to handle heavy loads.
general
The quality or state of being physically or mentally strong
She demonstrated great strength during her recovery.
She showed remarkable resilience and power during her recovery.
Can refer to physical, mental, or emotional capacity.
Engineering
technical
The capacity of a material or structure to withstand force or pressure
The alloy's strength makes it ideal for aerospace applications.
The alloy's ability to resist force makes it suitable for use in aircraft.
Often measured in units like pascals or pounds per square inch.
figurative
The intensity or power of an emotion, idea, or influence
His argument carried the strength of conviction.
His argument was persuasive because it was strongly believed.
Used metaphorically to describe abstract qualities.
Collocations
strength of charactermoral or emotional resiliencestrength trainingexercise to build musclestrength in numberspower through collective action
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'strength' varies by context—physical, mental, or structural.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overgeneralization
Do not assume 'strength' always means physical power; it can be abstract.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'strengthe,' from Old English 'strengþu,' meaning 'strength, might, force,' from Proto-Germanic 'strangithō,' from 'strangaz' (strong).
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (physical strength) and figuratively (emotional or intellectual strength). In technical contexts, it often refers to the ability to resist force.
Word Breakdown
strength
power or capacity
rootEnglish Dictionary