strong
gb/stɹˈɔŋ/ us/stɹˈɔŋ/
A1
English
~ 600
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A1
property
1
having a lot of physical power
Having a lot of physical power or muscle strength.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is strong
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'strong' with 'heavy'; 'heavy' means it weighs a lot, not that it can resist force.
Synonyms
powerful (Emphasizes possession of great power; can be broader than just physical strength.)
Antonyms
weak (Lacking physical strength or power.)
Collocations
strong man
|strong muscles
|physically strong
|strong body
|strong arms
Themes
daily life
|sports
|health
|body
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is strong enough to lift that heavy box.
- The athlete is incredibly strong for his age.
- These ropes are strong and will not break easily.
Learner examples
- He is very strong.
- The box is heavy, but she is strong.
- My father is strong.
adjective
B1
property
2
having great influence or authority
Having a lot of influence or control over people or things.
Usage pattern:
[someone/something] is strong in/at [area]
Synonyms
influential (Focuses on the ability to affect others' decisions or actions.)
Antonyms
powerless (Having no control or influence.)
Collocations
strong leader
|strong position
|strong influence
|strong presence
Themes
politics
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is a strong leader who inspires her team.
- The company is in a strong position in the market.
- He has a strong voice in the community.
Learner examples
- She is a strong leader.
- He has a strong role in the group.
- Our team is in a strong position.
adjective
A2
property
3
having an intense taste, smell, or color
Having a very clear and powerful taste, smell, or color.
Usage pattern:
[something] has a strong [taste/smell/color]
Synonyms
intense (Emphasizes high degree of sensory experience; can apply to more senses than 'strong'.)
Antonyms
mild (Having a gentle or not intense taste, smell, or color.)
Collocations
strong coffee
|strong smell
|strong flavor
|strong perfume
Themes
food
|senses
|food_drink
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This cheese has a very strong flavor.
- The perfume has a strong scent that lasts all day.
- She prefers strong coffee in the morning.
Learner examples
- This tea has a strong taste.
- The food has a strong smell.
- I like strong coffee.
adjective
A2
property
4
able to resist force or damage
Not easily broken, damaged, or hurt.
Usage pattern:
[something] is strong enough to [do something]
Synonyms
sturdy (Stresses solid construction and durability.)
Antonyms
fragile (Easily broken or damaged.)
Collocations
strong material
|strong bridge
|strong wall
Themes
construction
|safety
|technology
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The table is made of strong oak wood.
- We need a strong rope for climbing.
- This glass is surprisingly strong.
Learner examples
- This chair is strong.
- The rope is strong.
- The house is strong.
adjective
B1
property
5
having high skill or ability in something
Very good at something; skilled.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is strong in/at [activity/subject]
Synonyms
competent (Suggests adequate skill; 'strong' often implies higher skill than competent.)
Antonyms
weak (Lacking skill or ability in an area.)
Collocations
strong skills
|strong candidate
|strong performance
Themes
education
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She is strong in mathematics.
- He gave a strong performance on stage.
- We are looking for candidates with strong communication skills.
Learner examples
- I am strong in reading.
- She is strong at cooking.
- He is strong at sports.
Grammar
Dictionary form
strong
IPA
GB/stɹˈɔŋ/
US/stɹˈɔŋ/
Syllables & stress
strong (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (strong)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: strong
- Comparative: stronger
- Superlative: strongest
Word family
Expressions
come on strong
1/kˈʌm ˈɔn stɹˈɔŋ/
idiom
informal
behave too forcefully or eagerly
To act too forcefully or eagerly toward someone or something.
Examples
- He came on too strong during the interview and scared them off.
- The salesman comes on strong when he talks about new products.
going strong
1/ɡˈoʊɪŋ stɹˈɔŋ/
idiom
continuing successfully for a long time
Still healthy, active, or successful after a long time.
Examples
- They’ve been married for 40 years and are still going strong.
- The old factory is still going strong after a century of operation.
strong language
1/stɹˈɔŋ lˈæŋɡwɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
offensive or emotional words used in speech/writing
Words that are offensive, rude, or show strong feelings.
Examples
- The movie contains some scenes with strong language.
- He used strong language to criticize the decision.
strong suit
1/stɹˈɔŋ sˈut/
idiom
something someone does very well
A subject or activity someone is very good at.
Examples
- Mathematics has never been my strong suit.
- Her strong suit is creative writing.