What does strong mean?
Strong is a broad English adjective describing exceptional power, firmness, or intensity. It may characterize a person with physical strength, a forceful personality, convincing evidence, a pungent smell, or an economy undergoing expansion. The opposite is weak, but the precise contrast depends on context: strong tea is concentrated, strong language is forceful, and strong support is substantial. In grammar, strong can also describe a noun or verb form that carries emphasis, such as a strong verb or a strong noun. The adverb strong survives in idioms such as "come on strong," while strongly is the usual neutral form in formal writing. Strong has no strongly marked regional limitation; pronunciation, meaning, and register vary little across mainstream British and American English, although idiom and surrounding vocabulary differ. Its usefulness lies in this flexibility: one familiar word can turn the same underlying idea of force or intensity toward the body, the mind, language, taste, institutions, or evidence without requiring a more specialized term.
Having considerable physical power, firmness, intensity, influence, or conviction; not weak.
"The company reported strong demand for its products during the quarter."
The adjective is highly versatile, so its precise sense depends on the noun it modifies.
In a forceful, emphatic, or conspicuous manner.
"He came on strong during the interview."
This use is chiefly informal or idiomatic; strongly is preferred in formal writing.
A person noted for exceptional strength, force, or influence, especially in a sporting or political context.
"He was one of the strongs on the circuit."
The noun is rare and informal; strongman or a more specific term is usually more natural.
Rare and chiefly informal or specialized.
"The contest brought together several of the country's strongest strongs."
The word behind strong is also behind string: both trace to an ancient root associated with a taut cord or rope.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of strong
The English adjective descends from Old English strong, which came from Proto-Germanic *strangaz. Its deeper root, Proto-Indo-European *strengh-, is associated with a cord, rope, or thong and also underlies English string; related forms appear in languages such as German, Dutch, and Old Norse. English gradually extended strong from physical power to firmness of character, emotional intensity, evidentiary force, and other contexts. English derivatives such as strength and strongly continue the native word family.
Related word forms
How strong is actually used
Strong is neutral in register and extremely versatile. The phrase "come on strong" is informal and may suggest displaying confidence or force in an exaggerated or overbearing way. "Strong" can also refer to the number or quality of people, as in "a strong turnout," while its grammatical uses are chiefly specialized.
Easily confused with strong
Strong is the broader word for power, firmness, conviction, or intensity, whereas sturdy usually emphasizes physical solidity and resistance to damage.