strenuous

[stren-yoo-uhs]

adjective

1. characterized by vigorous exertion, as action, efforts, life, etc..

   a strenuous afternoon of hunting.

2. demanding or requiring vigorous exertion; laborious.

   To think deeply is a strenuous task.

   Antonyms: easy

3. vigorous, energetic, or zealously active.

   a strenuous person; a strenuous intellect.

   Synonyms: forceful

strenuous

/ ˈstrɛnjʊəs, ˌstrɛnjʊˈɒsɪtɪ /

adjective

1. requiring or involving the use of great energy or effort

2. characterized by great activity, effort, or endeavour

Other Word Forms

• strenuously adverb
• strenuousness noun
• strenuosity noun
• quasi-strenuous adjective
• quasi-strenuously adverb
• superstrenuous adjective
• superstrenuously adverb
• superstrenuousness noun
• unstrenuous adjective
• unstrenuously adverb
• unstrenuousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strenuous¹

1590–1600; < Latin strēnuus; -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of strenuous¹

C16: from Latin strēnuus brisk, vigorous

Synonym Study

See active.

Related Words

• arduous 
• demanding 
• exhausting 
• laborious 
• taxing 
• uphill