sturdy

Sturdy is an adjective used to describe objects or people with firmness of construction, strong physical form, and resilience under stress. A sturdy object resists deformation, damage, or failure when subjected to reasonable loads, impacts, or wear. In humans, sturdy can describe a robust build, good health, or endurance.

Common uses describe furniture, tools, footwear, vehicles, and buildings: a sturdy table, sturdy boots, a sturdy ladder, a sturdy bridge. In broader usage, sturdy can apply to non-physical things such as a sturdy argument or plan, meaning well-supported and reliable.

Notes on nuance: sturdy emphasizes solidity and reliability in the face of use; it does not necessarily imply lightness or elegance. Related terms include robust, durable, and solid, each carrying slightly different emphasis.

Evaluation and standards: In manufacturing and construction, sturdiness is often assessed by tests of strength, stiffness, and load-bearing capacity, along with joint integrity and material quality. Consumer guidance focuses on weight ratings, warranty, and construction details to infer sturdiness.

Etymology: The word traces to Old English sturd, with the sense of firmness and resilience that has persisted into modern usage. The exact historical lineage is complex and debated, but the core meaning remains tied to physical or metaphorical solidity.