Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a determined will: Describes a person who is very firm and resolute in their decisions, opinions, or actions. They are not easily influenced or persuaded by others and are persistent in pursuing their goals.

Usage

• The adjective strong-willed is used to describe a person's character or nature. It typically has a positive connotation, implying admirable determination and resolve, though it can sometimes suggest stubbornness depending on the context.
• It is commonly used before a noun (e.g., a strong-willed leader) or after a linking verb like or (e.g., She is very strong-willed).

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The strong-willed activist refused to back down from her principles.
  • My daughter is so strong-willed; once she sets her mind on something, she achieves it.
  • Being strong-willed helped him overcome many obstacles in his career.

Advanced Usage

• "To be strong-willed": This is the most common construction, used to state a characteristic.
  • To succeed in this field, you need to be strong-willed and focused.
• "Strong-willed enough to...": Used to indicate that someone's determination is sufficient for a specific purpose.
  • He was strong-willed enough to quit smoking cold turkey.

Variants and Related Words

• Strong-minded (adj): Very similar in meaning, suggesting firmness of mind and purpose.
  • She is a strong-minded individual who speaks her truth.
• Determined (adj): Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it. (This is a core synonym.)
• Willpower (n): The control exerted to do something or restrain impulses. This is the noun form of the quality a strong-willed person possesses.
  • It takes great willpower to stick to a diet.

Synonyms

• Resolute: Admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering.
• Unyielding: Not giving way to pressure; inflexible.
• Steadfast: Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.

Antonyms

• Weak-willed: Lacking determination or easily influenced.
• Indecisive: Not able to make decisions quickly and effectively.
• Compliant: Inclined to agree with others or obey rules readily.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To have a mind of one's own: To be capable of forming one's own opinions and not be easily influenced. This is a related concept describing independence of thought, which often accompanies a strong will.
  • Even as a child, she always had a mind of her own.
• To stand one's ground: To refuse to change one's opinion, decision, or position, especially when opposed or criticized. This describes the behavior of a strong-willed person.
  • Despite the pressure, the negotiator stood his ground.

Adjective

1. having a determined will