strong

Strong is an adjective used to describe a high degree of power, influence, or resilience. It can refer to physical strength, the robustness of objects or systems, or the intensity of sensations such as taste or smell. In everyday use, strong often implies effectiveness or intensity, as in arguments, winds, or emotions. The word can also function in comparative and superlative forms: stronger and strongest.

Originating in Old English from streng or strang, the term is cognate with German stark and Dutch sterk. It traces to Proto-Germanic roots and has been extended through semantic domains to describe various forms of potency or solidity.

In science, strong has specific technical senses. The strong nuclear force is one of the fundamental interactions, responsible for binding protons and neutrons in atomic nuclei. In chemistry, a strong acid fully dissociates in solution, while a strong base likewise exhibits high dissociation. In materials science, a material may be described as strong if it withstands large stresses relative to its weight, toward high strength-to-weight ratios. In physics, strength may measure a force or capacity, such as tensile or compressive strength.

In everyday language, strong describes taste or odor (strong coffee or a strong smell), certainty (a strong belief), or influence (strong leadership). It contrasts with weak, which denotes lower intensity or efficacy. Some phrases imply social or moral force, such as a strong stance or strong conviction.