What does strongly mean?
“Strongly” means with great force, emphasis, conviction, or degree. It is widely used to modify verbs and adjectives, especially in expressions such as “strongly agree,” “strongly believe,” “strongly oppose,” and “strongly recommend.” In these contexts, it can indicate either an emphatic personal stance or a substantial degree of support, disapproval, or preference. The word is appropriate in formal writing, business, journalism, education, and everyday conversation. It is more forceful than words such as “very” in some contexts, while still sounding natural and less absolute than “completely” or “entirely.” Understanding its relationship to the adjective “strong” helps clarify why it communicates both intensity and firmness.
adverbIn a strong, forceful, or emphatic manner. It can also mean to a considerable extent or with great conviction.
- With great force, intensity, or emphasis.
- To a considerable extent; very much.
- With firm conviction or determination.
"She strongly believes that the policy will improve the lives of rural communities."
"The committee strongly opposed the proposed changes."
"I would strongly recommend taking an earlier train."
The adverb “strongly” turns an opinion or feeling into a forceful statement: you can strongly agree, strongly believe, or strongly oppose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strongly come from?
“Strongly” is an adverb formed from the Old English adjective “strong,” whose roots also appear in “strength” and “strengthen.” The adjective appears in Old English in senses connected with physical power, force, and firmness. Over time, “strongly” developed into a general adverb for acting with intensity or conviction. The same Germanic and Norse-related vocabulary helped establish the modern English family represented by strong, strength, and strengthen.
How strongly is actually used
The adverb is common in both formal and informal English. In “strongly support,” “strongly agree,” and similar expressions, it usually means “to a great extent” or “with firm conviction,” rather than literally describing physical force.
Easily confused with strongly
“Strongly” is an adverb describing the degree or force of an action, opinion, or feeling, while “strong” is an adjective describing the person or thing involved.