sturdy

/ˈstɜːdi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstɜːrdi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈstər-dē/ (ame, mw)

sturdy — adjective

  • sturdypositive
  • sturdiercomparative
  • sturdiestsuperlative

1. describes an object that is made in a firm and solid way, so it does not easily

1.形容詞B1
釋義

describes an object that is made in a firm and solid way, so it does not easily bend, crack, or collapse when weight or force is applied to it

例句

Jack bought a pair of sturdy hiking boots before his trip to the Rocky Mountains.

sturdy + noun for durable objects

The old wooden bridge was sturdy enough to carry the weight of a loaded truck.

be + sturdy — describes how something performs

同義詞
  • robust

    strong and healthy; can also describe systems or machines that work well under stress — slightly more formal than sturdy

  • durable

    lasting a long time without wearing out; focuses on longevity rather than overall strength

  • solid

    not hollow; firmly made — often interchangeable with sturdy but also used for abstract arguments (a solid plan)

  • tough

    able to withstand force or rough treatment — also used for food (tough meat) and people (tough character), which sturdy is not

反義詞
  • flimsy

    weakly made and likely to break — the direct opposite of sturdy for objects

  • fragile

    easily broken or damaged — suggests delicacy rather than poor construction

  • weak

    general opposite; less precise than flimsy or fragile

文法句型

sturdy + noun

be/look/feel + sturdy

用法筆記

Commonly used with nouns for objects that take physical pressure or wear: furniture, tools, footwear, containers, and building materials.

常見錯誤

❌She is a very sturdy person' (when describing a person's physique as strong).
✅She has a sturdy build and can lift heavy boxes.
💡'sturdy' for a person's body focuses on solid physical strength, not character.
❌The report was sturdy.
✅The report was well-researched.
💡'sturdy' is rarely used for abstract things like documents or ideas except in the sense of 'strong character.'

2. describes a person or their qualities as firm in belief, purpose, or attitude, n

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a person or their qualities as firm in belief, purpose, or attitude, not easily changed by difficulty or pressure from others

例句

Nadia showed a sturdy refusal to accept the unfair contract terms the company offered her.

sturdy + abstract noun (refusal, belief, spirit)

Despite many setbacks, Aunt Clara's sturdy optimism kept the family hopeful all winter.

同義詞
  • resolute

    very determined; more formal than sturdy and implies a conscious decision not to change

  • steadfast

    loyal and unchanging over a long time — often used for loyalty or faith

  • unwavering

    not changing even slightly; stronger than sturdy but less common

  • determined

    having a strong wish to succeed — more general and frequent than sturdy in this sense

反義詞
  • weak-willed

    easily influenced by others — opposite of being sturdy in character

  • indecisive

    unable to make firm decisions — opposite of sturdy determination

  • fragile

    easily upset or damaged — used for both physical and emotional vulnerability

文法句型

sturdy + abstract noun

be + sturdy

用法筆記

Unlike sense 1, this sense does not describe physical objects. It pairs with abstract nouns describing attitudes (belief, determination, optimism, independence, refusal, opposition). The subject is typically a person or group.

常見錯誤

❌I need a sturdy answer from you.
✅I need a firm answer from you.
💡'sturdy' is not used for single statements or replies; use 'firm' or 'definite.'
❌He gave a sturdy speech.
✅He gave a powerful speech.' or 'He showed sturdy determination in his speech.
💡'sturdy' modifies personal qualities, not performances or events directly.