The word "strenuous" is spelled as /ˈstrɛnjuəs/. The first syllable "stren-" is pronounced with the "str" like "street." The "-e-" in the middle syllable is important for the long "e" sound, pronounced like "ee." The final syllable, "-ous," is also pronounced with a long "u" sound as in "you." The word means requiring or using great effort or exertion, and it is commonly used to describe physical activity or mental challenges that demand significant energy or concentration.
The adjective "strenuous" is used to describe activities or efforts that require great physical or mental effort, exertion, or endurance. It suggests that a particular task or action demands significant strength, energy, and perseverance.
Physically, a strenuous activity typically involves intense physical exertion, such as vigorous exercise, challenging physical labor, or demanding sports. This could include tasks such as weightlifting, running a marathon, or participating in a grueling workout routine. In these cases, strenuous implies that the activity requires a high level of physical fitness and endurance.
Mentally, a strenuous undertaking refers to tasks that demand intense intellectual or cognitive effort. This could involve complex problem-solving, critical thinking, or engaging in mentally taxing activities such as studying for difficult exams, writing a complex research paper, or performing intricate calculations. Strenuous mental activities often require concentration, focus, and may be emotionally draining.
Furthermore, "strenuous" can also describe a demanding lifestyle or schedule, indicating a life filled with challenging and exhausting activities or commitments. It signifies that the individual is constantly engaged in arduous or demanding endeavors.
Overall, when describing an activity, effort, or lifestyle as strenuous, it implies that it is physically or mentally demanding, challenging, and often requires perseverance, endurance, and significant energy expenditure.
Energetic; vigorous; eager and active; bold.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "strenuous" derives from the Latin word "strenuus", which means "active, vigorous, eager, zealous". It may also be linked to the Latin verb "stare", which means "to stand". Over time, "strenuus" evolved into the Old French word "estrenuos", and then into Middle English as "strenuouse" in the 14th century. Eventually, it developed into its modern form, "strenuous", maintaining its original meaning of describing something requiring great effort or energy.