strength
strength
/streŋkθ/
being physically strong
He pushed against the rock with all his strength.
It may take a few weeks for you to build up your strength again.
She gradually regained strength in her legs.
He had a physical strength that matched his outward appearance.
strength to do something She didn't have the strength to walk any further.
Collocations
adjective
verb + strength
strength + verb
preposition
up to strength
below strength
under strength…
phrases
at full strength
back to full strength
every ounce of strength…
2 uncountable the ability that something has to resist force or hold heavy weights without breaking or being damaged the strength of a rope
The panels are reinforced with steel for extra strength.
being brave
During this ordeal he was able to draw strength from his faith.
She has a remarkable inner strength.
You have shown great strength of character.
power/influence
4 uncountable the power and influence that somebody/something has Political power depends upon economic strength.
Their superior military strength gives them a huge advantage.
to negotiate from a position of strength
The rally was intended to be a show of strength by the socialists.
of opinion/feeling
5 uncountable how strong or deeply felt an opinion or a feeling is the strength of public opinion
This view has recently gathered strength (= become stronger or more widely held).
I was surprised by the strength of her feelings.
I have been overwhelmed by the strength of feeling that people have about this issue.
advantage
6 countable a quality or an ability that a person or thing has that gives them an advantage The ability to keep calm is one of her many strengths.
the strengths and weaknesses of an argument
The new weapon's strength lies in its accuracy.
Collocations
adjective
verb + strength
strength + verb
come from something
lie in something
phrases
strengths and weaknesses
of natural force
7 uncountable how strong a natural force or a signal is the strength of the sun
wind strength
the strength and direction of the tide
The phone company aims to improve signal strength within buildings.
of taste/substance
Add more curry powder depending on the strength required.
a range of beers with different strengths (= with different amounts of alcohol in them)
a packet of double-strength mints
These wines vary in strength between 11° and 15°.
of currency
9 uncountable strength (of something) (against something) how strong a country’s currency is in relation to other countries’ currencies the relative strength of the euro against the dollar
The euro has continued to gain strength.
the continuing strength of the pound
number in group
10 uncountable the number of people in a group, a team or an organization The strength of the workforce is about to be doubled from 3 000 to 6 000.
The team will be back at full strength (= with all the best players) for the next match.
up to strength The Korean team was not up to strength for the final.
in strength The protesters turned out in strength (= in large numbers).
under/below strength These cuts have left the local police force under strength (= with fewer members than it needs).
Idioms
Word Origin
Old English strengthu, from the Germanic base of strong.