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Strength Definition: Physical Power, Mental Resilience & Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：physical/mental power (strength)
strength
/streŋθ/
n.
The power or ability you have in your body to do physical things, or the power in your mind to face difficult situations.
physical/mental power
➕
/ˈfɪzɪkəl ˈmɛntl ˈpaʊər/
n.
This refers to the capacity to exert force or endure hardship, whether physically (muscle power) or mentally (resilience, willpower).
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'strengþu', related to 'strong'; suffix '-th' forms abstract nouns from adjectives.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'strong' + 'th' = strength. Imagine a weightlifter gritting teeth and saying 'I am strong-th!'
📖 Example
It wasn't just his physical strength that helped him finish the marathon; it was his mental strength to keep going when his body wanted to quit.
It wasn't just his physical strength that helped him finish the marathon; it was his mental strength to keep going when his body wanted to quit.
🔗 Collocations
physical strength – The power of the body to move or lift things.
mental strength – The ability to stay determined and positive in difficult situations.
strength training – Exercise designed to increase muscle power.
🔄 Synonyms
power (n.) – The ability to do something or act in a particular way, often physical or mechanical.
fortitude (n.) – Courage and strength in facing adversity, especially mental.
resilience (n.) – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
🚫 Antonyms
weakness (n.) – The state of being weak; lack of strength, power, or ability.
frailty (n.) – The condition of being weak and delicate, often physically.
vulnerability (n.) – The quality of being susceptible to harm or attack; lack of protection.
🌱 Derivatives
strengthen (v.) – To make or become stronger.
strong (adj.) – Having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks.
strengthless (adj.) – Lacking strength; weak.
📖 Cultural Story
Rooted in Old English, 'strength' has been central to fitness and resilience discourse. In modern culture, it symbolizes both physical power and emotional fortitude, often used in motivational contexts.
Meaning 2：intensity or durability (strength)
strength
/streŋθ/
n.
How strong something is, for example, a material that doesn't break easily, or a drink with a strong effect.
intensity or durability
➕
/ɪnˈtɛnsɪti ɔːr ˌdjʊrəˈbɪləti/
n.
This refers to the degree to which something can withstand force, pressure, or concentration, such as the breaking point of materials or the potency of a liquid.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The engineers tested the strength of the new bridge by driving very heavy trucks across it.
The engineers tested the strength of the new bridge by driving very heavy trucks across it.
🔗 Collocations
tensile strength – The resistance of a material to breaking under tension.
compressive strength – The ability of a material to withstand loads that reduce size.
alcohol strength – The percentage of alcohol in a drink, indicating potency.
🔄 Synonyms
durability (n.) – The ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
toughness (n.) – The quality of being strong and durable; not easily broken.
potency (n.) – The power or strength of something, especially in terms of effect.
🚫 Antonyms
fragility (n.) – The condition of being easily broken or damaged.
weakness (n.) – Lack of strength; the opposite of strength.
vulnerability (n.) – Susceptibility to damage or attack.
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