Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Strong and healthy; vigorous: Describing a person, animal, or plant that is physically strong and in good health.
   • Sturdy and strong in construction or form: Referring to an object, system, or structure that is solidly built and able to withstand stress, pressure, or harsh conditions.
   • Full-bodied and rich in flavor or character: Used to describe food, drink, or other sensory experiences that are strong, full, and satisfying.
   • Forceful and determined; not subtle or weak: Describing an action, argument, or intellectual approach that is direct, powerful, and effective.

Examples of Usage

• Describing a person or living thing:
  • After months of training, he developed a robust physique.
  • This variety of tomato is known for being particularly robust and disease-resistant.
• Describing an object or system:
  • The bridge was built with robust materials to endure extreme weather.
  • We need a robust security protocol to protect the data.
• Describing flavor or character:
  • The stew had a robust flavor, with hints of garlic and herbs.
  • She has a robust laugh that fills the entire room.
• Describing an approach or result:
  • The scientist presented a robust argument supported by extensive data.
  • The economic model proved to be robust even under stressful simulations.

Advanced Usage

• "Robust debate/discussion": A vigorous and thorough exchange of opposing views.
  • The panel encouraged a robust debate on the ethical implications.
• "Robust health": Exceptionally good and resilient physical condition.
  • Despite his age, he enjoys robust health and is very active.
• "Robust growth": Strong, healthy, and sustained increase or development.
  • The company reported robust growth in its overseas markets.

Variants and Related Words

• Robustly (adverb): In a strong, vigorous, or forceful manner.
  • The economy performed robustly this quarter.
• Robustness (noun): The quality or state of being robust.
  • The robustness of the software was tested under heavy user loads.

Synonyms

• Sturdy: Strongly and solidly built.
• Hardy: Capable of enduring difficult conditions.
• Vigorous: Strong, healthy, and full of energy.
• Resilient: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
• Full-bodied (for flavors): Rich and satisfying in taste or aroma.

Antonyms

• Fragile: Easily broken or damaged.
• Weak: Lacking physical strength or force.
• Feeble: Lacking strength or vigor.
• Bland (for flavors): Lacking strong or interesting features.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A robust appetite": A very strong desire for food.
  • The hike gave everyone a robust appetite.
• "Robust to the core": Fundamentally and thoroughly strong or healthy.
  • The old oak tree, though scarred, was robust to the core.

Adjective

1. rough and crude
   • a robust tale
2. strong enough to withstand or overcome intellectual challenges or adversity
   • the experiment yielded robust results
   • a robust faith
3. marked by richness and fullness of flavor
   • a rich ruby port
   • full-bodied wines
   • a robust claret
   • the robust flavor of fresh-brewed coffee
4. sturdy and strong in form, constitution, or construction
   • a robust body
   • a robust perennial