forceful

/ˈfɔːsfl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɔːrsfl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfȯrs-fəl/ (ame, mw)

forceful — adjective

  • forcefulpositive
  • more forcefulcomparative
  • most forcefulsuperlative

1. A forceful person or their words are strong and confident, making others listen

1.形容詞B2
釋義

A forceful person or their words are strong and confident, making others listen or take notice.

例句

Zuri delivered a forceful speech that made the board reconsider their decision.

forceful + speech — collocation for strong persuasive speaking

The editorial was a forceful call for better public transport in the city.

同義詞
  • assertive

    more neutral than 'forceful'; suggests confidence without demanding attention

  • emphatic

    focuses on the delivery being clear and strongly stated

  • vigorous

    suggests energetic, lively force in expression

  • powerful

    broader; can apply to arguments, effects, or emotions

反義詞
  • weak

    lacking strength or confidence

  • mild

    gentle and moderate, without strong emphasis

文法句型

forceful + noun

be + forceful

forceful in + noun/gerund

用法筆記

Often modifies nouns for speech, writing, or arguments. Carries a positive or neutral tone — distinct from 'aggressive', which implies hostility.

常見錯誤

❌She made a forceful effort to finish the project on time.
✅She made a forceful argument for changing the policy.
💡'forceful' describes strong expression of opinions, not strong effort.
❌The medicine had a forceful effect on her symptoms.
✅The lawyer presented a forceful case to the jury.
💡'forceful' relates to confident expression, not physical effectiveness.

2. A forceful action or movement involves a lot of physical power or strength.

2.形容詞B2
釋義

A forceful action or movement involves a lot of physical power or strength.

例句

The boxer landed a forceful blow that sent his opponent to the floor.

forceful + blow — physical impact in sports

Shanti closed the door with a forceful push, rattling the windows.

同義詞
  • powerful

    general term for great physical strength

  • strong

    broader and more common, but less intense

  • vigorous

    suggests energetic, active physical effort

反義詞
  • gentle

    soft and light, not using strength

  • feeble

    very weak, lacking physical power

文法句型

forceful + noun

be + forceful

用法筆記

Typically describes actions, movements, or natural phenomena involving physical power. Less frequent than sense 1 in everyday conversation.

常見錯誤

❌He gave a forceful description of the accident scene.
✅He gave a forceful push to open the stuck door.
💡sense 2 requires literal physical force, not strong expression.