vigorous

[vig-er-uhs]

adjective

1. full of or characterized by vigor.

   a vigorous effort.

   Antonyms: weak

2. strong; active; robust.

   a vigorous youngster.

   Synonyms: healthy, sound, sturdy
   Antonyms: weak

3. energetic; forceful: a vigorous personality.

   vigorous steps;

   a vigorous personality.

   Synonyms: powerful
   Antonyms: weak

4. powerful in action or effect.

   vigorous law enforcement.

   Antonyms: weak

5. growing well, as a plant.

   Antonyms: weak

vigorous

/ ˈvɪɡərəs /

adjective

1. endowed with bodily or mental strength or vitality; robust

2. displaying, involving, characterized by, or performed with vigour

   vigorous growth

Other Word Forms

• vigorously adverb
• vigorousness noun
• overvigorous adjective
• overvigorousness noun
• supervigorous adjective
• supervigorousness noun
• unvigorous adjective
• unvigorousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vigorous¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Old French, from Medieval Latin vigorōsus; vigor, -ous

Synonym Study

See active.

Example Sentences

Under the changing leaves of the trees near the house, she entertained them with some vigorous skipping and dancing games that she had recently invented.

Read more on Literature

“Good day, President Davis,” Daddy said, gripping the president’s hand and giving it a vigorous shake.

Read more on Literature

I say “possibility” because, whether or not we’re in a bubble—and what kind it might be—has been the subject of vigorous debate.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Franco ruthlessly crushed vigorous and diverse internal opposition while adapting to changing global circumstances.

Read more on Salon

A 30-minute venture could easily turn into an hour of vigorous conversation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• active 
• brisk 
• dynamic 
• effective 
• efficient 
• forceful 
• healthy 
• intense 
• lively 
• persuasive 
• potent 
• robust 
• spirited 
• strenuous 
• strong 
• tough 
• vital 
• zealous