If you’ve used the words strong and strength before, you probably know what these terms are all about. These are common words that we use in regular conversations. However, very few people can explain their differences.
Strong is an adjective meaning “capable of producing great physical force or withstanding great physical force.” The adjective also implies “having much power with relation to water, wind, or other elements.” In contrast, strength refers to “the quality or degree of being strong.”
Whether you’ve used the terms strong and strength in a conversation in the past couple of hours, or you’ve been avoiding the words because they confuse you, we’re here for you. This article will let you know everything about these terms and the aspects that set them apart.
Definitions Of Strength And Strong
Do you know that most people use words, but they cannot define them? It’s because they assume that understanding the application contexts is all you need to know before using any word. However, learning definitions for words is vital. So, let us define the words strength and strong:
Definitions Of Strength
Strength is the quality or degree of being strong. It denotes a person or an item’s capability to produce great physical force or withstand massive physical force.
Strength is also a quality or trait of being able to withstand or bear a capacity for exertion, physically, mentally, morally, or intellectually.” This definition denotes different types of strength; strength of body, arm, mind, memory, or judgment.
A close meaning is a mental power, force, or vigor. Also, “moral power, firmness, or courage.” For example, the strength to withstand negative comments.
Another definition of strength is “power because of influence, authority, resources, or numbers.” This noun refers to the strongest part of something you can base your confidence or reliance on.
A general definition of strength is “a positive attribute.” So, for example, a person’s positive traits are called his “strengths.”
An unpopular definition of strength is “the number of personnel or ships in a force or body.” For example, “A ship with a strength of 10,000.”
Other Meanings Of Strength
Strength means “effective force, potency, or cogency when referring to arguments or debates.” For instance, you can say “the strength of a plea” when referring to an effective or strong plea.
Another source defines strength as “the effective or vital properties characteristic of a chemical or beverage, like the alcoholic strength of a wine. It also refers to a particular proportion or concentration of a property, like color, intensity, sound, scent, or flavor—for example, a scent of average strength.
Strength is also “an item or person that gives strength or is a source of power and encouragement for something or someone else.” For example, a bible serves as strength for Christians.
In finance, strength refers to “the power to rise or remain firm in prices.” For instance, stocks show strength when they remain firm and rise in price.
Definitions Of Strong
Strong means “having or showing great bodily or muscular power, vigor, or robustness,” like a strong person. The adjective also means “accompanied or delivered by great physical or mechanical strength,” like a strong vibration.
The word describes something or someone who’s mentally robust or vigorous, like someone with a strong mindset. A close meaning is “being able, competent, or powerful in a specific field or respect.” For example, a student can be strong in Chemistry.
A more context-specific definition of strong is “having a high alcoholic or chemical content” or “having a high concentration of an essential or active ingredient.” In addition, something with an offensive or intense odor or flavor is also described as strong.
Other Meanings Of Strong
In grammar, the word strong means “inflecting differently than one referred to as weak, like Germanic verbs that change vowels.” For instance, a strong verb.
In chemistry, strong means “that completely ionizes into anions or cations in a solution,” like a strong acid or base. The military dictionary refers to strong as “not easily subdued or taken,” like a strong position.
In medicine, strong means “severe, very bad, or intense.” This word especially applies when referring to a disease or symptom.
Strong means “having a wide array of logical consequences.” It also refers to something widely applicable, often contrasted with a weak statement. This definition applies during a convincing argument.
How To Properly Use The Words Strength And Strong In A Sentence
Now that most people have used the words strong and strength in sentences, are you sure you have been using these words correctly? Check out the following guidelines to find out:
How To Use The Word Strength
Strength is a countable noun. Its plural form is “strengths.” This term has many applications. You can use it in a sentence to mean any of the following:
- The quality of being physically strong
- The extent to which an argument is sound or convincing
- A good quality
- An emotional or physical quality in dealing with difficult or stressful circumstances
- An object’s capacity to withstand immense force, pressure, or wear
- A person, organization, or country’s influence or power
- The number of people in a group, team, or army
- A strong or sharp flavor or smell
- The benefits of something
How To Use The Word Strong
The word strong is an adjective. Use it in a sentence to express the following:
- Capable of producing or withstanding great physical strength
- Fit and healthy
- Excessively or unacceptably forceful
- Exhibiting force
- Passionate or fervent in feelings
- Having a pleasant, intense, or offensive flavor or odor
- Having high alcohol, chemical, or active ingredient content
- Having strong influence or power over others
- Exhilarating or providing great usefulness
This word also adds up as an adverb. Use it in a sentence to mean;
- In a strong manner
- In an exhilarating manner
- Meaningfully
Strength Vs Strong: Ways These Words Are Related
The core connection between these words is that the noun strength comes from the root word strong. The suffix “-th” at the end of the word “strength” forms nouns of action, state, or qualities from adjectives or verbs. In this example, it forms a noun from an adjective. Another example is “depth” from “deep.” This is also why the word strong comes up in the definition of strength.
Strength and strong: are there any differences between these terms?
The simple answer is yes. For instance, the correct spellings for these words are “STRENGTH” and “STRONG.” Besides spelling, it would also help to master the pronunciation. The proper way to say “strength” is “/strengkth/.” In contrast, the correct way to say “strong” is “/strawng/.”
List Of Examples Of The Words Strength And Strong In Sentences
Here are some sentences featuring the words strength and strong you can read before constructing your sentences:
Example sentences of the word strength
- Jane did not know her strength until she met her biggest rival.
- The sisters won the competition because of the strength of numbers.
- The government’s strength lies in its leader’s hands.
- Rashid’s wife knew of his strengths and weaknesses before marrying him.
- Mathematics has always been Jane’s strength.
Example sentences of the word strong
- Louise is a strong woman.
- The team recruited ten thousand members strong.
- This perfume has a strong scent.
- The girl was strong enough to withstand temptations.
- Luke has a strong handshake.
Conclusion
Strong and strength are related words because one word is the root of the other. More simply, the noun strength is a product of the root adjective “strong.” It is important to note that these words have related meanings. However, their applications differ because they belong to different parts of speech.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.