Strength vs. Might — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 30, 2024
Strength refers to the capacity to withstand or exert force, power, or resistance, while might typically emphasizes sheer power or force, often on a larger scale.
Difference Between Strength and Might
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Strength often denotes a measurable capacity, whether it's physical, mental, or structural, implying a robustness or fortitude. While might, in contrast, suggests a formidable force or power, frequently used in contexts involving dominance or overwhelming capacity.
In physical terms, strength is generally used to describe the ability of an object or person to perform tasks or resist force based on physical capabilities. On the other hand, might often conveys a more intense or powerful strength, used especially in historical or military contexts to describe overwhelming force.
Strength can refer to emotional or psychological resilience and stability. Whereas might is rarely used in such contexts, remaining mostly associated with physical or military power.
Engineers might talk about the strength of materials or buildings, focusing on their ability to endure stresses without failing. Might, however, is less applicable in such technical discussions and is not typically used to describe material properties.
Strength can also imply a skill or proficiency in a certain area, such as "strength in mathematics." Meanwhile, might is almost never used in this metaphorical sense and remains largely literal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Capacity to withstand or exert force, power, or resistance
Great and impressive power or strength
Usage
Broader, applies to physical, mental, and structural contexts
Primarily used for physical or military power
Connotation
Durability, capability, and resilience
Overwhelming force, dominance
Contexts
Physical abilities, mental resilience, structural integrity
Historical, military
Metaphorical Use
Common (e.g., strengths in skills or abilities)
Rare, mostly literal
Compare with Definitions
Strength
Strength refers to the ability to endure or exert force, power, or resistance.
The bridge's strength allows it to support heavy traffic.
Might
Might is sometimes used to suggest the capability of achieving something through strength.
With all his might, he lifted the fallen tree.
Strength
Strength in materials science involves the capacity of a material to withstand loads without failure.
The steel’s strength is tested under various pressures.
Might
In literature, might often emphasizes the heroic or epic aspects of a character or force.
Legends speak of heroes of great might.
Strength
In personal terms, strength can denote resilience and the ability to cope with adversity.
Her emotional strength helped her overcome the loss.
Might
It can also denote an authoritative power or sovereignty.
The might of the law is not to be underestimated.
Strength
Biological strength is seen in the context of an organism's health and vitality.
A healthy diet improves physical strength.
Might
It can also represent the power to influence or direct the course of events.
They yielded to the might of the corporate lobby.
Strength
In a professional context, one's strength might point to their capabilities or expertise in a specific area.
His main strength lies in strategic planning.
Might
Past of may
Strength
The quality or state of being physically strong
Cycling can help you build up your strength
Might
Used tentatively to ask permission or to express a polite request
Might I just ask one question?
You might just call me Jane, if you don't mind
Strength
The capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure
They were taking no chances with the strength of the retaining wall
Might
Used to express possibility or make a suggestion
This might be true
You might try pain relievers
Strength
The potency or degree of concentration of a drug, chemical, or drink
The solution comes in two strengths
It's double the strength of your average beer
Might
Great and impressive power or strength, especially of a nation, large organization, or natural force
A convincing display of military might
Strength
A good or beneficial quality or attribute of a person or thing
The strengths and weaknesses of their sales and marketing operation
His strength was his obsessive single-mindedness
Might
Great power or force, as of a nation or army.
Strength
The number of people comprising a group, typically a team or army
The peacetime strength of the army was 415,000
Might
Physical strength
Push with all your might!.
Strength
The state or quality of being strong; physical power or capacity
The strength needed to lift a box.
Might
Power, strength, force or influence held by a person or group.
Strength
The capacity to resist attack; impregnability
The strength of the ship's armor.
Might
(uncountable) Physical strength or force.
He pushed with all his might, but still it would not move.
Strength
The capacity to resist strain or stress; durability
The strength of the cables.
Might
(uncountable) The ability to do something.
Strength
The ability to deal with difficult situations or to maintain a moral or intellectual position
Does he have the strength to overcome such a tragedy?.
Might
(obsolete) Mighty; powerful.
Strength
The number of people constituting a normal or ideal organization
The police force has been at half strength since the budget cuts.
Might
(obsolete) Possible.
Strength
Capability in terms of numbers or resources
An army of fearsome strength.
Might
(auxiliary) Used to indicate conditional or possible actions.
I might go to the party, but I haven't decided yet.
Strength
An attribute or quality of particular worth or utility; an asset
Your easygoing nature is one of your strengths.
Might
(auxiliary) may Used to indicate permission in past tense.
He asked me if he might go to the party, but I haven't decided yet.
Strength
One that is regarded as the embodiment of protective or supportive power; a support or mainstay
Her family has been her strength in difficult times.
Might
(auxiliary) may Used to indicate possibility in past tense.
I thought that I might go the next day.
Strength
Degree of concentration, distillation, or saturation
What's the strength of that cleaning solution?.
Might
Used to indicate a desired past action that was not done.
Hey man, you might have warned me about the thunderstorm.
Strength
Operative effectiveness or potency
The strength of the drug.
Might
(auxiliary) Even though.
I might be in a wheelchair, but I still want to be treated as a lady.
Strength
Intensity, as of sound or light
The strength of the wind.
Might
(auxiliary) Used in polite requests for permission
Might I take the last biscuit?
Strength
Intensity of emotion or belief
The strength of feeling among the voters.
Might
Used to express certainty.
Yeah, I think we might need something a bit sturdier.
Strength
Cogency or persuasiveness
The strength of his argument.
Might
Force or power of any kind, whether of body or mind; energy or intensity of purpose, feeling, or action; means or resources to effect an object; strength; force; power; ability; capacity.
What so strong,But wanting rest, will also want of might?
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Strength
Effective or binding force; efficacy
The strength of an argument.
Might
Physical strength
Strength
Firmness of or a continuous rising tendency in prices, as of a currency or market.
Might
Might implies great and impressive power or force, often used in a historical or military context.
The might of the Roman Empire was unparalleled.
Strength
(Games) Power derived from the value of playing cards held.
Strength
The quality or degree of being strong.
It requires great strength to lift heavy objects.
Strength
The intensity of a force or power; potency.
He had the strength of ten men.
Strength
The strongest part of something; that on which confidence or reliance is based.
Strength
A positive attribute.
We all have our own strengths and weaknesses.
Strength
(obsolete) An armed force, a body of troops.
Strength
(obsolete) A strong place; a stronghold.
Strength
(obsolete) To strengthen all senses.
Strength
The quality or state of being strong; ability to do or to bear; capacity for exertion or endurance, whether physical, intellectual, or moral; force; vigor; power; as, strength of body or of the arm; strength of mind, of memory, or of judgment.
All his [Samson's] strength in his hairs were.
Thou must outliveThy youth, thy strength, thy beauty.
Strength
Power to resist force; solidity or toughness; the quality of bodies by which they endure the application of force without breaking or yielding; - in this sense opposed to frangibility; as, the strength of a bone, of a beam, of a wall, a rope, and the like.
Strength
Power of resisting attacks; impregnability.
Strength
That quality which tends to secure results; effective power in an institution or enactment; security; validity; legal or moral force; logical conclusiveness; as, the strength of social or legal obligations; the strength of law; the strength of public opinion; strength of evidence; strength of argument.
Strength
One who, or that which, is regarded as embodying or affording force, strength, or firmness; that on which confidence or reliance is based; support; security.
God is our refuge and strength.
What they boded would be a mischief to us, you are providing shall be one of our principal strengths.
Certainly there is not a greater strength against temptation.
Strength
Force as measured; amount, numbers, or power of any body, as of an army, a navy, and the like; as, what is the strength of the enemy by land, or by sea?
Strength
Vigor or style; force of expression; nervous diction; - said of literary work.
And praise the easy vigor of a lifeWhere Denham's strength and Waller's sweetness join.
Strength
Intensity; - said of light or color.
Bright Phœbus in his strength.
Strength
Intensity or degree of the distinguishing and essential element; spirit; virtue; excellence; - said of liquors, solutions, etc.; as, the strength of wine or of acids.
Strength
A strong place; a stronghold.
Strength
To strengthen.
Strength
The property of being physically or mentally strong;
Fatigue sapped his strength
Strength
Capability in terms of personnel and materiel that affect the capacity to fight a war;
We faced an army of great strength
Politicians have neglected our military posture
Strength
Physical energy or intensity;
He hit with all the force he could muster
It was destroyed by the strength of the gale
A government has not the vitality and forcefulness of a living man
Strength
An asset of special worth or utility;
Cooking is his forte
Strength
The power to induce the taking of a course of action or the embracing of a point of view by means of argument or entreaty;
The strength of his argument settled the matter
Strength
The amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation);
He adjusted the intensity of the sound
They measured the station's signal strength
Strength
Capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects;
The toxin's potency
The strength of the drinks
Strength
The condition of financial success;
The strength of the company's stock in recent weeks
Strength
Permanence by virtue of the power to resist stress or force;
They advertised the durability of their products
Common Curiosities
How do strength and might differ in physical contexts?
Strength typically refers to the capacity of an individual or object to withstand stress or perform physically, while might refers to overwhelming power or force.
Can might be used in non-physical contexts?
While less common, might can metaphorically denote influence or authority in political or social spheres.
What is might?
Might refers to the power, force, or capability to do something, often implying a significant and overwhelming power.
What is strength?
Strength is the quality or state of being physically strong, the capacity to resist force or pressure.
Is strength always a physical attribute?
No, strength can also refer to emotional resilience, mental stability, or even expertise in a particular skill or area.
What are some synonyms for strength and might?
Synonyms for strength include power, resilience, and robustness; for might, synonyms include power, force, and potency.
How is strength measured?
Strength can be measured in terms of physical force (like weightlifting capacity), mental endurance, or structural integrity (like load-bearing capacity).
Is there a biological aspect to might?
Biologically, might can refer to the physical capabilities or strength of an organism, but it is less commonly used in this way.
Can strength and might be interchangeable?
They are not typically interchangeable due to their different connotations and usage; might implies a greater, often overwhelming power.
How is strength viewed in a psychological context?
Psychologically, strength is viewed as an individual's ability to cope with emotional stress and adversity.
What is an example of might in historical context?
Historical examples of might include the conquests of Alexander the Great, which demonstrated military might.
How does the concept of might relate to authority?
Might often correlates with the authority to enact change or command power, particularly in political or military contexts.
Which term is more commonly used in everyday language?
Strength is more commonly used across various contexts, while might is more specialized and often associated with historical or forceful scenarios.
How do literature and media portray might?
Literature and media often portray might through characters or entities possessing great power and ability to dominate others.
What role does strength play in engineering?
In engineering, strength is crucial for designing structures and materials that can withstand expected loads and stresses without failing.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Underworld vs. Hell
Next Comparison
Compassion vs. CaringAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
