26984 words

strong

30 definitions • 69 examples
1
powerful; having or using great force or control:

Examples:

She must be very strong to carry such a weight on her back.
It is surely the duty of the stronger members in a society to help those who are weak.
strong influence/effect My grandmother had a strong influence/effect on my early childhood.
Strong winds are forecast in the area for the next few days.
It's surprising what strong memories a photograph can produce.
as strong as an ox Get Carl to lift it - he's as strong as an ox (= very strong).
2
effective; of a good quality or level and likely to be successful:

Examples:

We will need strong policies if our economic problems are to be solved.
I can give you stronger pain-killing drugs if these aren't strong enough.
3
skilled or good at doing something:

Examples:

Without a doubt, she's the strongest candidate we've interviewed for the job.
strong on As a guitarist, he's strong on (= good at) technique but lacks feeling in some pieces.
4
difficult to argue with; firm and determined:

Examples:

strong opinion She has strong opinions about religion.
strong personality He has a strong personality, but don't let him bully you.
strong view Most of the group have strong views on the subject of divorce.
5
If a taste, smell, etc. is strong, it is very noticeable or powerful:

Examples:

A strong light was shining straight in my eyes.
There's a really strong smell of bleach in the corridor.
This coffee is too strong for me.
The room was decorated in very strong colours.
What a strong likeness there is between the brothers!
6
difficult to break, destroy, or make sick, or able to support a heavy weight or force:

Examples:

a strong box/chair
The window is made from very strong glass - it won't shatter.
It's a serious disease, but he's very strong - I think he'll pull through.
7
expressing something in a forceful way, without trying not to offend people:

Examples:

strong words He used very strong words about the way the federal officials had behaved.
The manager had some strong words to say about the team's defensive play.
in the strongest terms She said that she condemned their actions in the strongest terms.
8
language that expresses something in a forceful way, without trying not to offend people:

Examples:

The State Department also used strong language to deny a US policy shift.
9
language that uses a lot of swear words (= rude or offensive words):

Examples:

The movie is rated PG for strong language.
10
very likely to happen:

Examples:

strong possibility/likelihood There's a strong possibility/likelihood of finding the child within the next few hours.
strong chance The treatment's chances of success are stronger if it is started as soon as the disease is diagnosed.
11
having the stated number of people, members, etc.:

Examples:

The crowd had grown to be several hundred strong.
12
Strong flour contains a lot of gluten (= a protein that is contained in wheat and some other grains) and is used to make food such as bread and pizza dough:

Examples:

Sift the strong plain flour into a warm mixing bowl.
The higher the protein content, the stronger the flour and the more crusty and chewy the bread.
13
A strong acid, alkali, or chemical base produces many ions (= atoms with an electrical charge) when it is dissolved in water.
14
to behave towards another person in a way that is too severe, or that shows a strong sexual interest that the other person does not want:

Examples:

I think you came on a bit strong - it wasn't her fault.
15
to make an extra effort in order to be successful or to have control in a situation:

Examples:

He came on strong in the early rounds to annihilate the competition.
16

Examples:

You must be strong to be able to lift all that weight.
I feel a little stronger every day.
Strong winds blew down a number of trees.
The doctor prescribed a stronger pain-killer.
17

Examples:

The swings are strong enough for any of the kids.
18

Examples:

He has a strong personality, but don’t let him intimidate you.
19
having a lot of influence or importance:

Examples:

My grandmother had a strong influence on me as a child.
He is a strong supporter of the arts in the city.
20
believed or expressed without any doubt; persuasive:

Examples:

She has strong opinions about many things.
There are strong arguments to support both sides.
21

Examples:

He bears a strong likeness to his brother.
This coffee is too strong!
There was a strong smell of gas.
22

Examples:

There’s a strong possibility that the naval base will close next year.
23
an activity or industry that is strong is growing and becoming more successful:

Examples:

Economic news has been better than expected, with retail sales remaining strong.
a strong economy/market/sector
24
having or making a lot of money and so in a good financial position:

Examples:

Commodity prices have remained extremely strong this year.
The Company maintains a strong financial position, with working capital of $33,500,000.
Several technology stocks are continuing to post strong gains on Nasdaq.
25
having existed for a long time and likely to remain successful:

Examples:

26
used to describe behaviour or opinions that are firm and determined:

Examples:

Scientists have been telling us for years that it is essential for us to take strong action on global warming.
Against strong opposition from some CEOs, investors moved to ensure that the roles of chair and CEO were separated.
strong commitment/interest/support There has been strong support in Congress for the proposals.
27
a currency that is strong keeps or increases its value in relation to most other currencies:

Examples:

Money experts anticipate the pound will remain strong against the dollar next year.
a strong dollar/euro/pound
28
used after a number to show how many people belong to or are involved in something:

Examples:

The call centre has an 80-strong workforce.
29
to be the thing that someone is particularly good at:

Examples:

Financial planning does not seem to be the strong suit of many consumers in the modern world.
30
used to say that something is likely to happen:

Examples:

A sale of the business in three parts is a strong possibility.

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