Stipriai

Stipriai is an adverb in the Lithuanian language that expresses degree or intensity, roughly equivalent to strongly, vigorously, or intensely in English. It normally modifies verbs and can also modify adjectives or participles to indicate that an action or state is performed to a high degree. Adverbs such as stipriai are invariable in gender, number, and case, and they do not change with tense or subject.

Etymology and formation: Stipriai is derived from the adjective stiprus (strong) and formed with the common adverb-formation pattern in Lithuanian, adding the suffix -iai to convey manner or degree. This mirrors a broader class of adverbs created from adjectives to describe how something is done.

Usage and examples: The primary use of stipriai is to modify verbs. Examples include: vėjas stipriai pūtė (the wind blew strongly), jis stipriai rėkė (he shouted loudly/with force), ji stipriai juokėsi (she laughed heartily). It can also appear with participles or adjectives in contexts that emphasize intensity, though in many cases kuntions with very or extremely are more common in everyday speech. In formal writing, labiau or intensyviai can sometimes be preferred for nuance, but stipriai remains widely understood and natural in both speech and text.

Nuance and registers: Stipriai often conveys physical or emotional intensity and can carry a stronger nuance than very or extremely. It is appropriate in journalism, sports reporting, and narrative prose, as well as everyday conversation, where emphasis on force, energy, or vigor is intended.

See also: Lithuanian adverbs, stiprus (strong), degree modifiers.