Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Strong and active physically or mentally: Describes a person or living thing that possesses robust health, energy, and vitality.
   • Characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity: Describes an action, effort, or policy that is done with great power, intensity, and determination.

Usage Examples

• Describing a person:

  • He remained a vigorous old man who spent half of his day on horseback.
  • The vigorous athlete trained for hours every day.

• Describing an action or activity:

  • She gave the dusty rug a vigorous shake.
  • They went for a vigorous hike in the mountains.
  • The company launched a vigorous campaign to attract new customers.

• Describing an abstract concept:

  • The country pursued a vigorous foreign policy.
  • There was vigorous opposition to the proposed law.

Advanced Usage

• "Vigorous" in a metaphorical sense: Can describe intellectual or rhetorical force.

  • The debate was followed by a vigorous discussion.
  • She is known for her vigorous defense of human rights.

• "Vigorous" in scientific/biological contexts: Often describes healthy, rapid growth or activity.

  • The plant showed vigorous growth after being repotted.
  • Vigorous exercise is recommended for cardiovascular health.

Variants and Related Words

• Vigor (noun): The quality of being strong, active, and energetic.

  • He attacked the problem with great vigor.

• Vigorously (adverb): In a way that involves physical strength, effort, or energy; strenuously.

  • She vigorously denied the accusations.

Synonyms

• Energetic: Showing or involving great activity or vitality.
• Robust: Strong and healthy; vigorous.
• Forceful: Strong and assertive; vigorous and powerful.
• Strenuous: Requiring or using great effort or exertion.

Antonyms

• Feeble: Lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness.
• Lethargic: Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic.
• Weak: Lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Vigorous" itself is not commonly used in specific idioms, but it appears in descriptive phrases.) - Vigorous debate: A discussion characterized by strong, forceful, and energetic arguments from all sides. - The new policy sparked a vigorous debate in parliament. - Vigorous growth: Rapid and healthy development, often used in business or biology. - The start-up company experienced vigorous growth in its first year.

Adjective

1. strong and active physically or mentally
   • a vigorous old man who spent half of his day on horseback- W.H.Hudson
2. characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity
   • a vigorous hiker
   • gave her skirt a vigorous shake
   • a vigorous campaign
   • a vigorous foreign policy
   • vigorous opposition to the war