sturdy

stur·dy

adj \ˈstər-dē\

stur·di·erstur·di·est

Definition of STURDY

1

a : firmly built or constituted : stout b : hardy <sturdy plants> c : sound in design or execution : substantial

2

a : marked by or reflecting physical strength or vigor b : firm, resolute c : rugged, stable

— stur·di·ly \ˈstər-də-lē\ adverb

— stur·di·ness \ˈstər-dē-nəs\ noun

Examples of STURDY

1. a dog with a strong sturdy build
2. <it took a sturdy person to endure the life of a pioneer>

Origin of STURDY

Middle English, brave, stubborn, from Anglo-French esturdi stunned, from past participle of esturdir to stun, from Vulgar Latin *exturdire, from Latin ex- + Vulgar Latin *turdus simpleton, from Latin turdus thrush — more at thrush

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to STURDY

Synonyms: cast-iron, hard, hard-bitten, hardened, inured, rugged, stout, strong, hardy, tough, toughened, vigorous

Antonyms: delicate, nonhardy, soft, tender, weak

Related Words: flinty, leathery, resilient, stalwart; durable, enduring, everlasting, immortal, imperishable, lasting, permanent, stable, staunch (also stanch), staying, tenacious, unyielding; flourishing, prospering, thriving; able-bodied, brawny, muscular; fit, fortified, hale, healthy, husky, lusty, red-blooded, robust, sound, strapping, virile; annealed, seasoned, tempered

Near Antonyms: emasculated, enervated, enfeebled, exhausted, run-down, sapped, wasted, weakened, worn, worn out; crippled, debilitated, diseased, incapacitated, infirm, unsound; fragile, frail, puny; resistless, sensitive, susceptible, unresistant, vulnerable, yielding; mortal, perishable, temporary, transient

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See Synonym Discussion at strong

Rhymes with STURDY

birdie, curdy, wordy