strenuous
pronunciation
How to pronounce strenuous in British English:
UK [ˈstrenjuəs]
How to pronounce strenuous in American English:
US [ˈstrenjuəs]
-
- Adjective:
- characterized by or performed with much energy or force
- taxing to the utmost; testing powers of endurance
Word Origin
- strenuous (adj.)
- "characterized by great effort," mid-15c. (implied in strenuously), from Latin strenuus "active, brisk, quick, nimble, prompt, vigorous, keen." Probably cognate with Greek strenes, strenos "keen, strong," strenos "arrogance, eager desire," Old English stierne "hard, severe, keen" (see stern (adj.)). Mocked by Ben Jonson as a pedantic neologism in "Poetaster" (1601). Sense of "requiring much energy" is first recorded 1670s. Related: Strenuousness; strenuosity.
Example
- 1. Exercise doesn 't need to be strenuous in order to be beneficial .
- 2. Training for a marathon is extremely strenuous .
- 3. Avoid strenuous exercise the day before so you go into your run with fresh legs .
- 4. Pregnant women should avoid all strenuous activities , but sewing is not one of them .
- 5. In fact , preparing baby food at home is not a strenuous task .