Language Research

strong · adjective

/strɒŋ/Full view

Word family

Nouns: strength

Adjectives: strong

Verbs: strengthen

Adverbs: strongly

strong (PHYSICALLY POWERFUL)

A2 A strong person or animal is physically powerful.

Dictionary examples:

strong arms/legs

Are you strong enough to lift this table on your own?

She must be very strong to carry such a weight on her back.

Learner example:

I like this game because the story is very good end the p[rotagon]ist is so strong! (Key English Test; A2; Italian)

strong (DIFFICULT TO BREAK)

B1 A strong object does not break or get damaged easily.

Dictionary examples:

a strong box/chair

The window is made from very strong glass so it won't shatter.

Learner example:

In winter I wear big jackets, gloves, warm trousers and strong boots. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

strong (NOTICEABLE)

B1 very noticeable or powerful

Dictionary examples:

strong coffee

There's a strong smell of burning.

I like quite strong colours.

I can give you stronger pain-killing drugs if these aren't strong enough.

It's surprising what strong memories a photograph can produce.

My grandmother had a strong influence/effect on my early childhood.

Learner example:

Moreover I like clothes with strong colours e.g. red and green. (Preliminary English Test; B1; German)

strong (PRODUCED WITH POWER)

B1 produced using a lot of power

Dictionary examples:

a strong kick/blow

Her voice was clear and strong.

Strong winds are forecast in the area for the next few days.

Learner example:

Unluck[i]ly, the rest of the days were cloudy and with strong winds. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

strong (RELATIONSHIP)

B1 Strong relationships last for a long time, and are not easily spoiled.

Dictionary example:

Throughout the crisis, their marriage remained strong.

Learner example:

Actually, now our relationship is very strong. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Italian)

strong (GOOD QUALITY)

B2 of a good quality or level and likely to be successful or effective

Dictionary examples:

a strong economy

They're a very strong team.

She's the strongest candidate we've interviewed for the post.

Learner example:

My reason for applying for this trip is that I am very interested in meeting people from different countries and as I have a strong background in languages I would be very helpful in the communication field. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

strong (DETERMINED)

B2 A strong feeling, belief, or opinion is felt in a very deep and serious way.

Dictionary example:

She has strong opinions/views about religion.

Learner example:

Nowadays the importance of family life is a matter which arouses fierce[ly] strong passions. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

strong (PERSONALITY)

B2 If a person or their personality is strong, they are confident and able to deal with problems well.

Dictionary examples:

All my aunts were strong women.

He has a strong personality, but don't let him bully you.

Learner example:

Mary was a strong and intelligent woman. She was stronger and her personality was more developed than her aunt['s]. (First Certificate in English; B2; German)

strong language

C1 words that some people might consider to be offensive

Dictionary example:

The movie contains strong language.

Learner example:

But what I do see is local kids standing by the corner, chat[t]ing, smoking fags and using strong language. (Skills for Life (Level 2); C1; Slovak)

a strong chance/possibility, etc.

C2 something that is very likely to happen

Dictionary example:

There's a strong possibility of rain this afternoon.

strong opposition/support, etc.

C2 a lot of opposition/support, etc.

Dictionary example:

There has been strong opposition to the cuts.

Learner example:

Therefore, in spite of strong opposition [by] the car companies and people's egoistic interests, car traffic should be gradually redu[c]ed and eventually prohibited. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

be still going strong

C2 continuing to be successful or healthy after a long time

Dictionary examples:

The club was set up in 1987, and it's still going strong.

He's 93 and still going strong!

Learner example:

I am proud of him and happy that he is still going strong. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Finnish)

sb's strong point

C1 something that someone is very good at

Dictionary example:

Cooking is not my strong point.

Learner example:

She's got a lot of strong points, more than weaknesses. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Polish)