strenuously

IPA/ˈstrenjuəsli/
KK[strˈɛnjuəsli]IPA/ˈstrenjuəsli/

strenuously — adverb

1. with visible effort and sustained energy, because the body or mind has to work v

1.adverbC1
Definition

with visible effort and sustained energy, because the body or mind has to work very hard to keep going.

Example

Rodrigo trained strenuously for the mountain race all through July.

train + strenuously for sustained physical effort

After the exam date changed, Emma worked strenuously to finish the report by Friday.

work + strenuously for urgent mental effort

Common collocations
  • train strenuously
  • work strenuously
  • exercise strenuously
  • search strenuously
  • strenuously row
Synonyms
  • vigorously

    suggests strong energetic action, often with less focus on difficulty

  • arduously

    more formal and often stresses prolonged difficulty

  • laboriously

    adds the idea of slow, step-by-step effort rather than energetic drive

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

verb + strenuously

strenuously + verb

Usage Note

Usually modifies verbs for sustained activity such as train, work, search, row, or exercise. It suggests heavy continuing effort, not just one quick strong movement, and is more formal than simply saying 'very hard'.

Common Mistakes

The training was strenuously.
The training was strenuous.
strenuously is an adverb for how an action is done, while strenuous is the adjective.
Nina strenuously lifted the cup from the table.
Nina lifted the heavy box with great effort.
strenuously usually fits an action that takes sustained effort, not a brief simple movement.

2. in a determined, forceful way that makes your opposition, support, or refusal un

2.adverbC1
Definition

in a determined, forceful way that makes your opposition, support, or refusal unmistakably clear.

Example

Christopher strenuously denied leaking the photos to the local newspaper.

strenuously + denied for emphatic refusal

At the meeting, Roya argued strenuously against closing the village library.

argue strenuously against + noun phrase

Common collocations
  • deny strenuously
  • object strenuously
  • oppose strenuously
  • argue strenuously
  • campaign strenuously
Synonyms
  • forcefully

    close in meaning, often focusing on the strength of the expression itself

  • vehemently

    often sounds more emotional or heated

  • firmly

    can be calmer and less forceful than strenuously

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

verb + strenuously

strenuously + deny/object/oppose

insist strenuously + that-clause

Usage Note

Common with verbs of public disagreement or strong advocacy such as deny, object, oppose, protest, campaign, and insist. Unlike sense 1, the emphasis here is on the force of a position rather than on physical or mental strain.

Common Mistakes

She strenuously was upset by the news.
She was deeply upset by the news.
strenuously modifies an action like deny or argue, not a state such as be upset.
The crowd strenuously cheered the singer.
The crowd cheered the singer loudly.
if you only mean loud noise, use loudly; strenuously suggests determined force or resistance.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

These adverbs all involve effort, but they point to different kinds of effort. 'Strenuously' highlights sustained, energetic effort, whether physical or mental: Rodrigo trained strenuously for the race, and Emma worked strenuously to finish the report. 'Vigorously' often focuses more on lively force and movement, so it suits exercise, shaking, or active debate. 'Arduously' is more formal and usually suggests a long, difficult process that wears a person down over time. 'Laboriously' adds slowness and step-by-step toil, as when someone laboriously copies notes or climbs a hill. Choose 'strenuously' when you want the idea of strong, continuing effort without the special emphasis on speed, length, or careful plodding that the others often carry.

strenuously ↗vigorously ↗arduously ↗laboriously ↗

Etymology

LatinEnglish

Built in English from the adjective 'strenuous' and the adverb suffix '-ly'. 'Strenuous' comes from Latin 'strenuus', a word for being active, brisk, and forceful. English first formed the adjective and then added '-ly' to create the adverb meaning 'in a strenuous way'.