What does strongness mean?
Strongness is the noun form of strong and means the quality or condition of being strong. It can describe physical resilience, durability, power, or the firmness of a person's character and resolve. The word is less common than strength and tends to be chosen when the emphasis is on a quality rather than a measurable force. For example, one might praise someone's inner strongness during a period of adversity, while describing an athlete's strength in terms of physical power. In constructions such as “the strongness of the material” or “the strongness of her character,” it conveys durability or determination. Although clearly understood in both British and American English, strongness is more formal and less frequent in everyday speech than strength, which remains the usual word in most contexts.
nounThe quality or state of being strong, especially in terms of physical power, durability, or firmness of character.
- The quality or state of being strong, especially in terms of physical power, resistance, or firmness of character.
"The bridge was tested for strength and strongness under extreme conditions."
"The swimmer recovered from the injury and returned to full strength."
"Her quiet strongness helped the team remain united during a difficult period."
The plural is possible but uncommon.
"The two materials have different levels of strongness under heat and pressure."
Strongness captures not just physical force, but also the quality of being difficult to shake, resist, or overpower.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strongness come from?
Strongness derives from strong, an Old English word with Germanic roots meaning powerful or forceful, and the noun-forming suffix -ness. Strong is related to words such as strength and, more distantly, to the Old English adjective strange. Its senses have expanded over time from physical force to include durability, authority, and moral resolve.
Related word forms
How strongness is actually used
Strongness is standard in British and American English but is less common than the more familiar noun strength. It is especially useful when emphasizing the quality of being strong rather than the degree of power involved.
Easily confused with strongness
Strength commonly denotes the power or force that something possesses, whereas strongness more broadly means the quality or state of being strong.