strength
/stɹɛŋkθ/
The word conveys a sense of power, durability, and capacity. While often associated with muscle and physical force, it equally describes the internal fortitude required to endure hardship or the specific potency of a substance. In a professional or personal context, it shifts from raw power to competence. Here, it refers to an asset or a competitive advantage—something that makes a person effective or reliable. Unlike "power," which often implies control over others, strength focuses on the inherent ability to resist pressure, support weight, or maintain intensity without breaking.
Uncountable when referring to raw physical power or the potency of a drug ('The strength of the coffee'). Countable when identifying specific talents or advantages someone possesses ('Patience is one of her strengths').
💬Casual Conversation
That box of books is still in the hallway. Moving it will take some real strength.
Bet. Just gotta finish this level first.
Meanings
The quality or state of being physically strong.
"He didn't have the strength to lift the heavy crate."
The capacity of an abstract thing to produce a desired effect; potency.
"The strength of the medication was adjusted by the doctor."
A particular skill or attribute that gives someone an advantage.
"Her greatest strength is her ability to remain calm under pressure."
Collocations & Compounds
mental strength
The ability to remain focused and resilient in the face of adversity.
She has incredible mental strength to deal with all the challenges.
physical strength
The power of the body to exert force and endure physical exertion.
He built up his physical strength by lifting weights.
strength training
Exercise that involves using resistance to build muscle strength.
Regular strength training is important for overall health.
strength of character
The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
Her unwavering integrity demonstrated her great strength of character.
strength of conviction
A firmly held belief or opinion.
He argued with great strength of conviction.
Phrasal Verbs
draw strength from
To gain power, courage, or support from someone or something.
Many people draw strength from their faith during difficult times.
gather strength
To become stronger or healthier after an illness or period of weakness.
The injured athlete is slowly gathering strength.
lend strength to
To provide support or reinforcement to someone or something.
Her encouraging words lent strength to his resolve.
tax someone's strength
To exhaust someone's physical or mental energy.
The long journey taxed his strength to the limit.
Idioms & Sayings
strength in numbers
The advantage or power that a group has simply because there are many people in it.
The protestors felt strength in numbers as they marched through the city.
every man's strength
The maximum effort or capacity that a person can exert.
He pushed with every man's strength to move the boulder.
the strength of the law
The power and authority that legal rules have.
They were warned that they would face the strength of the law if they continued.
Etymology
The word 'strength' originates from Old English 'strengþu', meaning 'physical power, vigor, moral power'. It is derived from the adjective 'streng' meaning 'strong'. This root is common to Germanic languages, seen in words like Dutch 'strengheid' and German 'Strenge'. Over time, its usage expanded from purely physical power to encompass mental, emotional, and abstract forms of power and influence.