What does vigour mean?
Vigour is a noun meaning energy, strength, and vitality, especially the kind associated with health, youth, and physical capability. It can also refer to the forceful or determined character of an action, style, or argument. The word is usually complimentary, conveying active energy rather than passive strength, although it can sometimes suggest an intense or forceful manner. In British English, vigour is the standard spelling; American English generally uses vigor. Although dictionaries provide a plural form, vigour is normally treated as an uncountable noun in modern usage, with phrases such as “full of vigour” and “renewed vigour” being more common than plural constructions. Vigour is useful where a single word can combine ideas of physical vitality, lively presence, and energetic action without sounding excessively technical or poetic.
nounVigour means physical energy, strength, and vitality. It can also describe a forceful, energetic, or determined quality in an action, style, or approach.
- Physical energy, strength, and vitality.
- A forceful, energetic, or determined quality in an action, style, or approach.
"She tackled the climb with the vigour of someone half her age."
"She tackled the climb with the vigour of someone half her age."
"The proposal was adopted with vigour and very little debate."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon; vigour is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The team’s vigours were clearly evident during the second half."
Vigour is how British English spells vigor: the word for energy strong enough to make an ordinary sentence stand at attention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vigour come from?
Vigour entered English through Old French vigour, which continued the Latin word vigor. Latin vigor was formed from vigere, meaning “to be strong, vigorous, or flourish.” The modern British and American spellings share this Latin ancestry, as do related words such as rigorous and rigour, where the sense is chiefly concerned with strictness rather than vitality.
Related word forms
How vigour is actually used
The word is usually positive, suggesting vitality, robustness, or determined action. It is most common in British English; American English generally uses vigor.
Easily confused with vigour
Vigour is the standard British English spelling, while vigor is the standard American English spelling; both have the same meaning.