From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishstrengthstrength /streŋθ, strenθ/ ●●● S2 W2 noun 1 physical [uncountable]STRONG PERSON the physical power and energy that makes someone strong OPP weaknesshave/find the strength to do something She didn’t even have the strength to stand up. I’m trying to build up my strength. Jo hit him with all her strength. He never ceased to be amazed by her physical strength.2 determination [uncountable]DETERMINED the quality of being brave or determined in dealing with difficult or unpleasant situationshave/find the strength to do something Jenny didn’t have the strength to end the relationship. She had enormous strength of character (=strong ability to deal with difficult situations).strength of mind/purpose The sea was very cold and it required great strength of mind to get in. I think you have to find an inner strength in order to feel good about yourself. → tower of strength at tower1(3)3 feeling/belief [uncountable]STRONG FEELING OR BELIEF how strong a feeling, belief, or relationship is SYN depthstrength of Governments cannot ignore the strength of public opinion. We understand the strength of feeling against the proposal.4 organization/country etc [uncountable]POWER the political, military, or economic power of an organization, country, or systemstrength of the strength of the US economy The socialists organized a show of strength (=when a country or organization shows how strong it is).5 useful quality or ability [countable]GOOD AT a particular quality or ability that gives someone or something an advantage OPP weakness Her main strength is her critical thinking ability.strength of The great strength of our plan lies in its simplicity. Be aware of your own strengths and weaknesses.6 object [uncountable]STRONG OBJECT how strong an object or structure is, especially its ability to last for a long time without breaking OPP weaknessstrength of a device for testing the strength of concrete structures 7 substance/mixture [countable, uncountable]STRONG TASTE OR SMELL how strong a substance or mixture is Add water to dilute the solution to the required strength.full-strength/half-strength/double-strength etc Young plants can be fed with half-strength liquid fertilizer.8 number of people [uncountable]NUMBER the number of people in a team, army etc The Edinburgh team are now at full strength.below strength The police force is below strength at the moment (=there are fewer police than there should be).in strength Security forces were out in strength (=in large numbers) but did not intervene.9 money [uncountable]VALUE the value of a country’s money when compared to other countries’ moneystrength of the strength of the dollar on the international money markets10 → on the strength of something11 → position of strength12 → go from strength to strength13 natural force [uncountable]HEOHEM how strong a natural force is the strength of the sunlight14 colour/light/flavour/smell etc [uncountable]BRIGHT how strong a colour, taste etc is 15 → give me strength!16 → not know your own strengthCOLLOCATIONS – Meaning 1: the physical power and energy that makes someone strongadjectivesphysical strengthSome of the tasks required considerable physical strength.great/enormous strengthHercules was famous for his great strength.superhuman strength (=much greater than ordinary strength)In the movie, Walsh performs feats of superhuman strength.superior strength (=greater than someone else's)Using his superior strength, Rocky dragged the struggling Larsen another twenty yards back.brute strength (=physical strength rather than intelligence or careful thinking)There is more to wrestling than brute strength. Tactics are important too.full strengthIt takes time to get your full strength back after you have been ill.verbshave the strength to do somethingHe didn't even have the strength to sit up.find the strength to do somethingMary found the strength to climb up onto the upturned boat.use your strengthHe used all his strength to heave the door shut.gather/muster/summon your strength (=get enough strength to do something)He sat for a couple of minutes, gathering his strength.build up your strength (=make yourself stronger)You need to build up your strength.gain strengthAfter the operation, he spent several weeks relaxing and gaining strength. COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 2: the quality of being brave or determined in dealing with difficult or unpleasant situationsadjectivesgreat strengthShe showed great strength in dealing with her problems.inner strengthGeoff had an inner strength which got him through the tough times.mental strengthHe's a player who has the skill and the mental strength to win.verbshave the strength to do somethingThis proved that he has the strength to cope with such a high-powered job.find the strength to do somethingPaula had found the strength to escape from an abusive marriage.gain/draw strength from somebody/somethingHe gained strength from being back with the people and things he loved.show strengthThe decision to continue shows incredible strength and courage.phrasesstrength of character (=strong ability to deal with difficult situations)The victims' families have shown amazing strength of character.strength of purpose/mind (=determination to do something)In pursuing this ambition, William showed remarkable strength of purpose.a source of strength (=person or thing that makes you brave or determined)Her faith had always been a source of strength for her. COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 5: a particular quality or ability that gives someone or something an advantageadjectivesa great strengthDiversity is one of India's greatest strengths.a real strengthThe play's real strength is the way it explores relationships.verbsbuild on/capitalize on a strength (=use it as a basis for further achievement)The organization must move forward and capitalize on its strengths.play to your strengths (=use people's qualities and abilities in the best way in order to achieve something)Both parties are playing to their strengths.identify strengthsThe teacher can identify each child's strengths and build on these.know somebody's strengthsIt's important to know your strengths as well as your weaknesses.somebody's/something's strength lies in somethingThe show's strength lies in the fact that it appeals to all ages.phrasesstrengths and weaknessesAll technologies have different strengths and weaknesses.
Examples from the Corpus
strength• Regular gym sessions will improve both your health and strength.• Fitness programs feature water aerobics, self-defense techniques and strength training.• The analysis was completed by a tabulation of results which consolidated the risk scores and financial strength ratings.• His is constantly pre-occupied with fitness, strength, and staying in peak condition.• His ability to charm people is one of his greatest strengths.• Diana pulled on the rope with all her strength.• She felt her strength ebbing but remained calm.• Bill was doing a lot of exercise to build up his strength.• The opposition mounted, but Johnson was probably right in asserting that its strength was overstated.• moral strength• Before choosing a career you should spend time identifying your personal strengths and weaknesses.• Men are better at some sports because of their greater physical strength.• He had all the strength it would take to kill an adult person, let alone a baby.• I didn't have the strength to climb any further.• The strength of this book is that it puts flesh on the bare bones of this argument.have/find the strength to do something• But would they even have the strength to dig counter-mines?• If he had been attached only to me, he would not have the strength to put up with me now.• Somehow then I found the strength to roll away, dragging my boots away from the clutch of the pile's soggy depths.• So we must find the strength to face it somehow.• Nor did she have the strength to be firm.• I didn't have the strength to squeeze out one more tear.• She would have the strength to do it, and she was right-handed.• How do you find the strength to overcome your natural panic and tap into greater, more positive emotional resources?have/find the strength to do something• But would they even have the strength to dig counter-mines?• If he had been attached only to me, he would not have the strength to put up with me now.• Somehow then I found the strength to roll away, dragging my boots away from the clutch of the pile's soggy depths.• So we must find the strength to face it somehow.• Nor did she have the strength to be firm.• I didn't have the strength to squeeze out one more tear.• She would have the strength to do it, and she was right-handed.• How do you find the strength to overcome your natural panic and tap into greater, more positive emotional resources?strength of• the awesome strength of the river• I have doubts about the strength of that beam in the ceiling.• What are the strengths of the plan?• Never underestimate the strength of a mother's love for her child.• The strength of the dollar is appealing to foreign investors.• the strength of the U.S. economyshow of strength• Leaders say the protest taking place on 18 March will provide a show of strength from the whole of rural Britain.• The allegation that there had been a military show of strength was flatly denied by Yakovlev on May 4.• Denbighshire have matched Flintshire's show of strength by naming their most formidable line-up in pursuit of the coveted last-four ticket.• But such shows of strength are no guarantee for player-safety as photographer Graham Morris demonstrated in 1984.• At this show of strength, Chutra was quite beside himself with happiness.strengths and weaknesses• Managers need to know their colleagues' strengths and weaknesses.full strength• He is included in a full strength line up.• The Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, founded by Kaljuste in 1993, numbers 37 at full strength.• It is used at full strength for immediate odour elimination, or in a 6 to 1 dilution for ongoing preventative maintenance.• The concrete has to cure to achieve its full strength, and the foundation has to be attached to the footing.• Two Western superpowers, hoping to force the other to blink, despite negotiating at less than full strength.• This low alcohol version is as light and approachable as the full strength variety and is ideal for parties.• Mr Amato has kept his word about having the government back to full strength before the opening of financial markets today.• Neither team was close to full strength.From Longman Business Dictionarystrengthstrength /streŋθ, strenθ/ noun [countable]1FINANCEECONOMICSthe value of a country’s money, especially when this is at a high levelstrength ofthe strength of the yen on the international money markets2the power or influence that a person, organization, country etc hasstrength ofthe strength of the US economyBefore and during negotiations, a salesperson will benefit by assessing the relative strength of his power base.3the good qualities or abilities that someone or something hasOne of her management strengths is the ability to delegate.Judging one’s own strengths and weaknesses is far from easy.Origin strength Old English strengthu 