Vigorous

Vigorous is an adjective describing something marked by physical strength, high energy, or intense activity. It can refer to people, movements, methods, or processes that operate with notable force or momentum. In addition to physical contexts, vigorous can convey robustness or robustness of effect, such as a vigorous impulse, debate, or growth.

The word originates from Latin vigor, meaning liveliness or vitality, with the suffix -ous forming an adjective. It entered English via Late Latin and Old French before becoming established in modern usage. The sense emphasizes vitality and force rather than mere endurance.

In practical usage, vigorous often appears in descriptions of physical exertion, such as vigorous exercise or vigorous workouts, which imply substantial effort and energy expenditure. It extends to nonphysical domains as well, including vigorous discussion, vigorous defense, vigorous growth in plants, and vigorous immune responses in biology, all indicating strong, active, or rapid processes.

Usage notes: vigorous conveys intensity and vitality and is somewhat more formal than words like energetic or lively. It is not synonymous with violent; while it can imply force, it does not inherently carry aggression. In scientific and athletic writing, it helps to specify the degree of intensity, such as moderate versus vigorous activity, to avoid ambiguity. Related terms include energetic, robust, strenuous, and forceful. Antonyms include feeble, weak, and languid.