vig|or|ous

vig|or|ous «VIHG uhr uhs», adjective.

1. full of vigor; strong and active in body and mind; full of strength or active force: »

He keeps himself vigorous by taking exercise. At forty-five he was so vigorous that he made his way to Scotland on foot (John R. Green).

2. characterized by, done with, or acting with vigor or energy; energetic: »

Doctors wage a vigorous war against disease.

3. Figurative. powerful; forcible: »

an able, vigorous and well-informed statesman (Edmund Burke). His vigorous understanding and his stout English heart (Macaulay).

–vig´or|ous|ly, adverb.

–vig´or|ous|ness, noun.

Synonym Study 1 Vigorous, strenuous mean having or showing active strength or energy. Vigorous emphasizes being full of healthy physical or mental energy or power and displaying active strength or force: »

The old man is still vigorous and lively.

Strenuous emphasizes having a constant driving force and continuous energetic activity: »

A diving champion leads a strenuous life.