Strong vs. Tough — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 20, 2024
Strong primarily refers to physical strength or effectiveness in force, while tough indicates resilience or the ability to endure hardships.
Difference Between Strong and Tough
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Strong is often used to describe something with great physical power or high intensity, such as a strong person or a strong flavor. Whereas tough is more frequently associated with durability and the ability to withstand physical or emotional strain, like tough material or a tough individual.
In materials science, strong materials are capable of withstanding applied loads without breaking. On the other hand, tough materials can absorb energy and deform without fracturing, making them useful in different applications.
When describing personalities, someone who is strong may be seen as capable of dealing with difficult situations through sheer power or will. Meanwhile, a tough person is often perceived as emotionally resilient, capable of handling stress or pain without breaking down.
In the context of flavor or sensation, strong can refer to a taste or smell that is potent and intense. Tough, however, rarely describes senses directly but could imply a texture that is difficult to chew or break down, as in tough meat.
Medically or physiologically, strong refers to well-developed muscles or robust health. Tough, in a similar context, could relate to the body's ability to recover from illness or injury quickly, showcasing resilience.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Capable of withstanding great force or pressure.
Able to endure hardship or withstand stress.
Material use
Describes materials with high tensile strength.
Describes materials that resist wear and damage.
Personality
Implies power, might, or mental strength.
Suggests endurance, resilience, or hardiness.
Sensory application
Often used to describe intense flavors or aromas.
More often refers to physical textures, like meat.
Medical/Physiological
Associated with muscle strength or robust physical health.
Implies resilience and quick recovery from injury or illness.
Compare with Definitions
Strong
Having great physical power.
She is strong enough to lift the heavy box easily.
Tough
Emotionally resilient.
He's tough, never showing his feelings.
Strong
Intense in degree or strength.
The strong wind knocked over the garden furniture.
Tough
Physically hard or rigid.
This meat is too tough to chew.
Strong
Mentally powerful or forceful.
He remained strong despite the severe criticisms.
Tough
Able to endure hardship or withstand stress.
She grew up in a tough neighborhood.
Strong
Used to describe substances or flavors with high intensity.
The coffee was too strong for my taste.
Tough
Used to describe materials that can absorb impact without damage.
They installed tough glass to prevent break-ins.
Strong
Denoting someone or something possessing powerful attributes.
The strong performance of the economy was unexpected.
Tough
Difficult to do or deal with.
The tough exam left many students worried.
Strong
Having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks
She cut through the water with her strong arms
Tough
(of a substance or object) strong enough to withstand adverse conditions or rough handling
Tough rucksacks for climbers
Strong
Able to withstand force, pressure, or wear
Cotton is strong, hard-wearing, and easy to handle
Tough
Able to endure hardship or pain
She was as tough as old boots
Strong
Very intense
A strong smell
Tough
Demonstrating a strict and uncompromising approach
Police have been getting tough with drivers
Tough new laws on tobacco advertising
Strong
Used after a number to indicate the size of a group
A hostile crowd several thousands strong
Tough
Strong and prone to violence
Tough young teenagers
Strong
Denoting a class of verbs in Germanic languages that form the past tense and past participle by a change of vowel within the stem rather than by addition of a suffix (e.g. swim, swam, swum).
Tough
A rough and violent man
A gang of toughs
Strong
Relating to or denoting the strongest of the known kinds of force between particles, which acts between nucleons and other hadrons when closer than about 10⁻¹³ cm (so binding protons in a nucleus despite the repulsion due to their charge), and which conserves strangeness, parity, and isospin.
Tough
Endure a period of hardship or difficulty.
Strong
Physically powerful; capable of exerting great physical force.
Tough
Able to withstand great strain without tearing or breaking; strong and resilient
A tough all-weather fabric.
Strong
Marked by great physical power
A strong blow to the head.
Tough
Hard to cut or chew
Tough meat.
Strong
In good or sound health; robust
A strong constitution.
A strong heart.
Tough
Physically hardy; rugged
Tough mountaineers.
A tough cop.
Strong
Economically or financially sound or thriving
A strong economy.
Tough
Strong-minded; resolute
A tough negotiator.
Strong
Having force of character, will, morality, or intelligence
A strong personality.
Tough
Aggressive; pugnacious.
Strong
Having or showing ability or achievement in a specified field
Students who are strong in chemistry.
Tough
Inclined to violent or disruptive behavior; rowdy or rough
A tough street group.
Strong
Capable of the effective exercise of authority
A strong leader.
Tough
Difficult to endure; severe; harsh
A tough winter.
Strong
Capable of withstanding force or wear; solid, tough, or firm
A strong building.
A strong fabric.
Tough
Trying or unpleasant
Had a tough day.
Strong
Having great binding strength
A strong adhesive.
Tough
Difficult to deal with; demanding or troubling
It's tough to go to school and work a full-time job. The exam had many tough questions.
Strong
Not easily captured or defeated
A strong flank.
A strong defense.
Tough
(Informal) Unfortunate; too bad
It was a tough break to get sick on the day of the concert.
Strong
Not easily upset; resistant to harmful or unpleasant influences
Strong nerves.
A strong stomach.
Tough
(Slang) Fine; great.
Strong
Having force or rapidity of motion
A strong current.
Tough
A violent or rowdy person; a hoodlum or thug.
Strong
Persuasive, effective, and cogent
A strong argument.
Tough
(of a material) Strong and resilient; sturdy.
The tent, made of tough canvas, held up to many abuses.
Strong
Forceful and pointed; emphatic
A strong statement.
Tough
(of food) Difficult to cut or chew.
To soften a tough cut of meat, the recipe suggested simmering it for hours.
Strong
Forthright and explicit, often offensively so
Strong language.
Tough
(of a person or animal) Rugged or physically hardy.
Only a tough species will survive in the desert.
Strong
Extreme; drastic
Had to resort to strong measures.
Tough
(of a person) Stubborn or persistent; capable of stubbornness or persistence.
He had a reputation as a tough negotiator.
Strong
Having force of conviction or feeling; uncompromising
Strong faith.
A strong supporter.
Tough
(of weather, etc.) Harsh or severe.
Strong
Intense in degree or quality
A strong emotion.
Strong motivation.
Tough
Rowdy or rough.
A bunch of the tough boys from the wrong side of the tracks threatened him.
Strong
Having an intense or offensive effect on the senses
Strong light.
Strong vinegar.
Strong cologne.
Tough
(of questions, etc.) Difficult or demanding.
This is a tough crowd.
Strong
Clear and loud
A strong voice.
Tough
(material science) Undergoing plastic deformation before breaking.
Strong
Readily noticeable; remarkable
A strong resemblance.
A strong contrast.
Tough
(slang) Used to indicate lack of sympathy
If you don't like it, tough!
Strong
Readily detected or received
A strong radio signal.
Tough
A person who obtains things by force; a thug or bully.
They were doing fine until they encountered a bunch of toughs from the opposition.
Strong
Having a high concentration of an essential or active ingredient
Mixed a strong solution of bleach and water.
Tough
To endure.
Strong
Containing a considerable percentage of alcohol
Strong punch.
Tough
To toughen.
Strong
Powerfully effective
A strong painkiller.
Tough
Having the quality of flexibility without brittleness; yielding to force without breaking; capable of resisting great strain; as, the ligaments of animals are remarkably tough.
Strong
Of or relating to a color having a high degree of saturation.
Tough
Not easily broken; able to endure hardship; firm; strong; - of objects and people; as, tough sinews.
A body made of brass, the crone demands, . . . Tough to the last, and with no toil to tire.
The basis of his character was caution combined with tough tenacity of purpose.
Strong
Having a specified number of units or members
A military force 100,000 strong.
Tough
Not easily separated; viscous; clammy; tenacious; as, tough phlegm.
Strong
Marked by steady or rising prices
A strong market.
Tough
Stiff; rigid; not flexible; stubborn; as, a tough bow.
So tough a frame she could not bend.
Strong
Of or relating to those verbs in Germanic languages that form their past tense by a change in stem vowel, and their past participles by a change in stem vowel and sometimes by adding the suffix -(e)n, as sing, sang, sung or tear, tore, torn.
Tough
Severe; violent; as, a tough storm.
Strong
Of or relating to the inflection of nouns or adjectives in Germanic languages with endings that historically did not contain a suffix with an n.
Tough
Difficult to do, perform, or accomplish; as, a tough job.
Strong
Stressed or accented in pronunciation or poetic meter. Used of a word or syllable.
Tough
Prone to aggressive or violent behavior; rowdyish; - of people, or groups; as, a tough neighborhood; a tough character.
Strong
In a strong, powerful, or vigorous manner; forcefully
A salesperson who comes on too strong.
Tough
A person who is tough{7}; a ruffian; a thug; as, a cluster of neighborhood toughs hanging out on the corner.
Strong
Capable of producing great physical force.
A big strong man; Jake was tall and strong
Tough
Someone who learned to fight in the streets rather than being formally trained in the sport of boxing
Strong
Capable of withstanding great physical force.
A strong foundation; good strong shoes
Tough
An aggressive and violent young criminal
Strong
(of water, wind, etc.) Having a lot of power.
The man was nearly drowned after a strong undercurrent swept him out to sea.
Tough
A cruel and brutal fellow
Strong
Determined; unyielding.
He is strong in the face of adversity.
Tough
Not given to gentleness or sentimentality;
A tough character
Strong
Highly stimulating to the senses.
A strong light; a strong taste
Tough
Very difficult; severely testing stamina or resolution;
A rugged competitive examination
The rugged conditions of frontier life
The competition was tough
It's a tough life
It was a tough job
Strong
Having an offensive or intense odor or flavor.
A strong smell
Tough
Physically toughened;
The tough bottoms of his feet
Strong
Having a high concentration of an essential or active ingredient.
A strong cup of coffee; a strong medicine
Tough
Substantially made or constructed;
Sturdy steel shelves
Sturdy canvas
A tough all-weather fabric
Some plastics are as tough as metal
Strong
(specifically) Having a high alcoholic content.
A strong drink
She gets up, and pours herself a strong one. - Eagles, Lying Eyes
Tough
Violent and lawless;
The more ruffianly element
Tough street gangs
Strong
(grammar) Inflecting in a different manner than the one called weak, such as Germanic verbs which change vowels.
A strong verb
Tough
Feeling physical discomfort or pain (`tough' is occasionally used colloquially for `bad');
My throat feels bad
She felt bad all over
He was feeling tough after a restless night
Strong
(chemistry) That completely ionizes into anions and cations in a solution.
A strong acid;
A strong base
Tough
Tough to cut or chew
Strong
(military) Not easily subdued or taken.
A strong position
Tough
Unfortunate or hard to bear;
Had hard luck
A tough break
Strong
Having wealth or resources.
A strong economy
Strong
Impressive, good.
You're working with troubled youth in your off time? That’s strong!
Strong
Having a specified number of people or units.
The enemy's army force was five thousand strong.
Strong
(of a disease or symptom) Severe; very bad or intense.
Strong
Having a wide range of logical consequences; widely applicable. (Often contrasted with a weak statement which it implies.)
Strong
(of an argument) Convincing.
Strong
In a strong manner.
Strong
Having active physical power, or great physical power to act; having a power of exerting great bodily force; vigorous.
That our oxen may be strong to labor.
Orses the strong to greater strength must yield.
Strong
Having passive physical power; having ability to bear or endure; firm; hale; sound; robust; as, a strong constitution; strong health.
Strong
Solid; tough; not easily broken or injured; able to withstand violence; able to sustain attacks; not easily subdued or taken; as, a strong beam; a strong rock; a strong fortress or town.
Strong
Having great military or naval force; powerful; as, a strong army or fleet; a nation strong at sea.
Strong
Having great wealth, means, or resources; as, a strong house, or company of merchants.
Strong
Reaching a certain degree or limit in respect to strength or numbers; as, an army ten thousand strong.
Strong
Moving with rapidity or force; violent; forcible; impetuous; as, a strong current of water or wind; the wind was strong from the northeast; a strong tide.
Strong
Adapted to make a deep or effectual impression on the mind or imagination; striking or superior of the kind; powerful; forcible; cogent; as, a strong argument; strong reasons; strong evidence; a strong example; strong language.
Strong
Ardent; eager; zealous; earnestly engaged; as, a strong partisan; a strong Whig or Tory.
Her mother, ever strong against that match.
Strong
Having virtues of great efficacy; or, having a particular quality in a great degree; as, a strong powder or tincture; a strong decoction; strong tea or coffee.
Strong
Full of spirit; containing a large proportion of alcohol; intoxicating; as, strong liquors.
Strong
Affecting any sense powerfully; as, strong light, colors, etc.; a strong flavor of onions; a strong scent.
Strong
Solid; nourishing; as, strong meat.
Strong
Well established; firm; not easily overthrown or altered; as, a strong custom; a strong belief.
Strong
Violent; vehement; earnest; ardent.
He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears.
Strong
Having great force, vigor, power, or the like, as the mind, intellect, or any faculty; as, a man of a strong mind, memory, judgment, or imagination.
I was stronger in prophecy than in criticism.
Strong
Vigorous; effective; forcible; powerful.
Like her sweet voice is thy harmonious song,As high, as sweet, as easy, and as strong.
Strong
Tending to higher prices; rising; as, a strong market.
Strong
Pertaining to, or designating, a verb which forms its preterit (imperfect) by a variation in the root vowel, and the past participle (usually) by the addition of -en (with or without a change of the root vowel); as in the verbs strive, strove, striven; break, broke, broken; drink, drank, drunk. Opposed to weak, or regular. See Weak.
Strong
Having strength or power greater than average or expected;
A strong radio signal
Strong medicine
A strong man
Strong
Used of syllables or musical beats
Strong
Not faint or feeble;
A strong odor of burning rubber
Strong
Having or wielding force or authority;
Providing the ground soldier with increasingly potent weapons
Strong
Having a strong physiological or chemical effect;
A potent toxin
Potent liquor
A potent cup of tea
Strong
Able to withstand attack;
An impregnable fortress
Fortifications that made the frontier inviolable
Strong
Of good quality and condition; solidly built;
A solid foundation
Several substantial timber buildings
Strong
Of verbs not having standard (or regular) inflection;
`sing' is a strong verb
Strong
Having a high alcoholic content;
Hard liquor
Strong
Freshly made or left;
A warm trail
The scent is warm
Strong
Strong and sure;
A firm grasp
Gave a strong pull on the rope
Common Curiosities
Is the term "strong" applicable to emotional characteristics?
Yes, it can describe someone with mental fortitude or resilience.
What does it mean when a material is described as strong?
It means the material can handle significant force or weight without breaking.
What kind of exercises help in building strength?
Exercises like weightlifting and resistance training help in building physical strength.
What are some examples of tough materials?
Materials like leather and rubber are considered tough because they are durable and resist wear.
How do you strengthen your mental toughness?
Mental toughness can be developed through challenges, consistent discipline, and emotional management.
What makes a strong leader?
A strong leader typically exhibits decisiveness, confidence, and the ability to inspire others.
How does toughness relate to durability?
Toughness is a measure of how well a material can resist breaking under stress, contributing to its durability.
What does it mean for a person to have a tough personality?
It means they are seen as emotionally resilient and capable of handling difficult situations.
How does one describe a tough job?
A tough job might involve physically or emotionally challenging tasks that require resilience.
Can foods be tough?
Yes, foods, particularly meat, can be tough when they are difficult to chew.
How might a strong immune system be described?
A strong immune system effectively fights off diseases and infections.
Can a person be strong and tough at the same time?
Yes, someone can be both strong (physically powerful or intense) and tough (able to endure hardship).
How do strong flavors differ from tough textures?
Strong flavors are intensely sensed, whereas tough textures are hard and possibly difficult to chew.
What is the difference between a strong argument and a tough negotiation?
A strong argument is convincing and well-supported, whereas a tough negotiation involves challenging discussions and resilience.
Is "tough love" similar to being strong?
Tough love involves being firm or strict to help someone improve, while being strong generally refers to strength or resilience.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
