sturdy
adjective /ˈstɜːdi/
/ˈstɜːrdi/
(comparative sturdier, superlative sturdiest)
- (of an object) strong and not easily damaged synonym robust
- a sturdy pair of boots
- a sturdy table
- The vehicle is sturdy enough to withstand rough terrain.
- [usually before noun] (of people and animals, or their bodies) physically strong and healthy
- a man of sturdy build
- sturdy legs
- a sturdy breed of cattle
- not easily influenced or changed by other people synonym firm, determined
- The village has always maintained a sturdy independence.
- a sturdy defence of the government’s position
Word OriginMiddle English (in the senses ‘reckless, violent’ and ‘intractable, obstinate’): shortening of Old French esturdi ‘stunned, dazed’. The derivation remains obscure; thought by some to be based on Latin turdus ‘a thrush’ (compare with the French phrase soûl comme une grive ‘drunk as a thrush’).