Definition

Adverb 1. With great power, intensity, or force: In a manner that is physically powerful, emotionally intense, or intellectually forceful. 2. With a high degree of conviction or emphasis: In a firm, resolute, or emphatic manner, indicating no doubt or strong feeling. 3. To a great extent or degree: Very much or intensely.

Usage and Examples

• The wind blew strongly all night, shaking the windows. (with great physical force)
• I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in history. (with great conviction and emphasis)
• The spice was strongly flavored, almost too much for me. (to a great degree)
• She strongly believes in equal rights for everyone. (with firm conviction)
• The evidence strongly suggests he was not present at the time. (to a great extent, emphatically)

Advanced Usage and Patterns

• strongly + verb of opinion/feeling: This is the most common pattern, used to intensify verbs related to belief, recommendation, opposition, support, etc.
  • The committee strongly opposes the new policy.
  • We strongly urge you to reconsider.
  • I strongly feel that this is a mistake.
• strongly + adjective (typically past participle): Used to intensify an adjective, often one describing influence, connection, or feeling.
  • a strongly worded letter
  • a strongly held belief
  • The two issues are strongly related.

Variants and Related Words

• Strong (adjective): Having great power, intensity, or degree.
• Strength (noun): The quality or state of being strong.

Synonyms

• Powerfully: With great power or force.
• Forcefully: In a strong and assertive manner.
• Vigorously: With physical strength or energetic determination.
• Firmly: In a resolute and unwavering manner.
• Emphatically: In a forceful way that expresses something clearly and without doubt.
• Vehemently: In a forceful, passionate, or intense manner.

Antonyms

• Weakly: With little strength or force.
• Mildly: To a slight or moderate degree.
• Faintly: In a way that is barely perceptible.

Common Collocations and Phrases

• Strongly agree/disagree: To share or not share an opinion with great conviction.
• Strongly recommend/advise/urge: To suggest or counsel something with great emphasis.
• Strongly oppose/support: To be very much against or in favor of something.
• Strongly believe/feel: To have a very firm belief or feeling.
• Strongly influenced/affected: Impacted to a great degree.
• Strongly worded: Expressed using forceful or emphatic language.

Adverb

1. in a powerful manner
   • the federal government replaced the powerfully pro-settler Sir Godfrey Huggins with the even tougher and more determined ex-trade unionist
2. with strength or in a strong manner
   • argues very strongly for his proposal
   • he was strongly opposed to the government