sturdy
gb/stˈɚdi/ us/stˈɚdi/
B1
English
~ 6500
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
strongly built and durable
strong and solid, and not likely to break or wear out easily
Usage pattern:
a sturdy [object]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'hard' instead of 'sturdy' for objects (e.g., 'hard shoes'). 'Hard' describes the surface, while 'sturdy' describes how strong and well-made something is overall. Another mistake is confusing 'sturdy' with 'heavy'; something can be sturdy without being very heavy.
Synonyms
strong (very general word; does not always emphasize being well-made like 'sturdy' does for objects)
|
solid (suggests heaviness and firmness; 'sturdy' adds the idea of lasting a long time)
|
durable (focuses more on lasting a long time rather than on heaviness or thickness)
Antonyms
flimsy (suggests something is light, weak, and easily broken, the opposite of well-built and strong)
|
fragile (emphasizes that something breaks or is damaged easily, unlike sturdy things)
Collocations
sturdy table
|sturdy shoes
|sturdy boots
|sturdy furniture
|sturdy construction
|sturdy box
Themes
daily life
|homes
|shopping
|daily_life
|housing
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We bought a sturdy table that can withstand the kids climbing on it.
- Make sure you wear sturdy boots for the hike; the trail is rocky and steep.
- The suitcase looks small, but it's surprisingly sturdy and can handle rough handling.
- The bridge is built from sturdy steel beams that support heavy traffic.
- I need a sturdy box to ship these glass bottles overseas.
Learner examples
- He sat on a sturdy chair made of wood.
- These sturdy shoes are good for walking all day.
- The children played on a sturdy metal frame in the park.
- She keeps her books in a sturdy cardboard box.
- We built a sturdy wall around the garden.
unknown
B1
property
2
physically strong and solidly built
having a strong, solid body and good physical strength
Usage pattern:
a sturdy [person/animal]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'fat' instead of 'sturdy', which sounds rude. 'Sturdy' is usually positive and focuses on strength, not on extra weight. Some also confuse 'sturdy' with 'strong-willed'; for personality or opinions, use 'strong-willed' or 'determined', not this physical sense.
Synonyms
strong (very general; does not always suggest a solid or stocky build the way 'sturdy' does)
|
robust (slightly more formal; can also refer to general health and energy, not just build)
|
stocky (focuses more on being short and broad; 'sturdy' is more positive and about strength)
Antonyms
frail (suggests weak and easily hurt or tired, especially for older people, the opposite of sturdy)
|
delicate (implies physically weak or easily harmed, unlike a strong, sturdy person)
Collocations
sturdy child
|sturdy man
|sturdy woman
|sturdy frame
|sturdy body
|sturdy legs
Themes
people
|health
|body
|animals
Examples
- The guide was a sturdy man in his fifties who carried all the heavy gear up the mountain.
- Despite her small height, she has a sturdy build and can lift impressive weights.
- The farmer's sturdy hands showed years of hard work.
- They chose a sturdy pony that could safely carry the children.
- His sturdy legs helped him recover quickly after the surgery.
Learner examples
- He is a sturdy boy who rarely gets sick.
- The worker is small but very sturdy.
- They needed a sturdy man to move the piano.
- She has a sturdy body from years of sport.
- The dog is sturdy and full of energy.
adjective
B2
property
3
showing firm, reliable strength
showing strong and steady support, beliefs, or character that is not easily changed
Usage pattern:
sturdy [abstract noun]
Common mistake:
Learners may extend the physical meaning and say things like 'a sturdy idea' or 'sturdy love' where 'strong' or 'firm' would be more natural. This figurative sense is most common with a limited set of nouns such as 'support', 'independence', 'belief', and 'common sense'.
Synonyms
steadfast (more formal and often used for loyal support or love; 'sturdy' sounds more plain and down-to-earth)
|
robust (often used for arguments, systems, or attitudes that are strong and effective)
|
firm (very common and neutral; can sound slightly more formal in some contexts)
Antonyms
weak (general opposite, suggesting little strength in opinions, character, or support)
|
wavering (suggests changing or uncertain attitudes, the opposite of steady, sturdy views)
Collocations
sturdy independence
|sturdy support
|sturdy belief
|sturdy common sense
|sturdy optimism
|sturdy defender
Themes
personality
|society
|emotions
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Her sturdy independence made it hard for her to accept help from others.
- The policy has enjoyed sturdy support from voters for over a decade.
- He has a sturdy belief in the value of public education.
- Despite criticism, she remained a sturdy defender of the new law.
- Their sturdy common sense kept the project from becoming too complicated.
Learner examples
- She has a sturdy belief that education can change lives.
- He gave her sturdy support during a difficult year.
- Their sturdy friendship lasted many years.
- The team showed sturdy confidence before the game.
- His sturdy character helped him in bad times.
Grammar
Dictionary form
sturdy
IPA
GB/stˈɚdi/
US/stˈɚdi/
Syllables & stress
sturdy (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (sturdy)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: sturdy
- Comparative: sturdier
- Superlative: sturdiest
Word family
Forms
sturdier
adjective
sturdiest
adjective
Core family
sturdiness
noun
sturdily
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
flimsy
adjective
fragile
adjective B1
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.