Strong describes having power, force, or the ability to handle difficulty. A strong person can lift heavy objects, but strength shows up in many forms. A strong friendship survives arguments and misunderstandings. A strong argument convinces people because it's built on solid evidence and clear reasoning. A strong wind can knock down trees, while a strong smell fills an entire room.

Physical strength means your muscles can exert force, like when you carry a heavy backpack or help move furniture. But people also talk about emotional or mental strength: the ability to keep going when things get hard, to face fears, or to stand up for what's right even when it's uncomfortable. A student shows strength when they persist through a difficult subject instead of giving up.

The word can describe intensity too. Strong coffee has a powerful taste. Strong feelings are hard to ignore. A strong leader influences others through conviction and capability.

When someone tells you to “stay strong,” they're encouraging you to keep your courage and determination during tough times. Being strong doesn't mean never struggling or feeling weak. It means having the resilience to face challenges and the capacity to endure or overcome them. Your greatest strength might be something you developed precisely because you once found it difficult.