What is strongly? Pronunciation and usage in English

strongly means . Learn how to pronounce and use strongly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of strongly

stronglyadverb

/ˈstrɒŋli/
Definition & pronunciation of strongly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "strongly" in English. It’s a common stumbling block for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

"Strongly" has three syllables:

  • Strong
  • ly

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • Strong: This is the trickiest part. It’s not like the word "strong" in many other contexts. Here’s how to do it:

    • “Str”: Pronounce this as in "street" – a short, crisp “str” sound.
    • “ong”: This is the key! This is a rounded vowel sound. Think of saying "oh" but with your mouth slightly rounded as if you were going to whistle. It’s a bit like the "on" in "onward."
    • “ly”: This is a simple “ly” sound – like in “family” or “friendly.”

  • ly: Pronounced as “lee”. A short, single vowel sound.

3. Putting it Together:

Say it all together: STRONG-lee

4. Tips and Considerations:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("strong"). This means that "strong" is the emphasized part of the word.

  • Round Your Mouth: Really focus on rounding your lips when you say the "ong" sound. This is what makes it distinct.

  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • Are there any specific sounds in English that you find difficult to pronounce?

Usage and examples with the word strongly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "strongly" effectively in English. It's a versatile word that adds emphasis to your statements, but it's important to use it correctly to avoid sounding unnatural or over-the-top.

1. Basic Usage – Adverb:

  • Meaning: "Strongly" primarily functions as an adverb. It intensifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. It means "with great force, intensity, or certainty."

  • Examples:

    • "I strongly believe in the importance of education." (Intensifies the belief)
    • "She strongly objected to the proposed changes." (Intensifies the objection)
    • "He strongly suggested that I take a break." (Intensifies the suggestion)
    • "The coffee was strongly brewed." (Intensifies the brewing – implies a strong, potent flavor)

2. Using "Strongly" with Verbs:

  • To express a strong opinion or belief: This is the most common use.

    • "I strongly disagree with your assessment."
    • “I strongly support the new initiative.”
    • “She strongly advocates for animal rights.”

  • To describe a forceful action:

    • “He strongly pushed the door open.” (Implies a significant amount of force)
    • “The wind strongly blew against us.” (Implies a powerful wind)

3. Using "Strongly" with Adjectives:

  • To describe a powerful feeling or quality:
    • “I felt strongly for her.” (Meaning: I felt a powerful affection.)
    • “The argument was strongly worded.” (Meaning: The argument used forceful and persuasive language.)
    • "He reacted strongly to the news." (Meaning: He reacted intensely)

4. Using "Strongly" with Adverbs:

  • To intensify an adverb:
    • “He spoke strongly and passionately.” (Adding emphasis to the way he spoke)
    • “She moved strongly across the stage.” (Adding emphasis to the way she moved)

5. Variations and Alternatives:

  • “Very”: Sometimes, "very" can be used instead of "strongly," but "strongly" usually adds more emphasis. However, be careful - "very" can often sound a little weaker than "strongly."

    • "I am very happy." vs. "I am strongly happy." (The second is more impactful).

  • "Deeply": Use “deeply” when referring to emotional feelings. “I felt deeply saddened by the news.”

  • "Intensely": This is a good alternative when describing feelings or actions. “He felt intensely frustrated.”

  • "Forcefully": Use this when referring to actions that involve power or strength. “He forcefully denied the allegations.”

6. Important Considerations:

  • Don't Overuse: "Strongly" is a powerful word. Using it too often can make your writing or speech sound dramatic, artificial, or even insincere. Choose your moments carefully.

  • Context Matters: The best way to use "strongly" depends on the specific context. Consider what you're trying to convey and choose the most appropriate word or phrase.

  • Show, Don't Just Tell (Especially in Writing): Instead of just saying "I strongly believe...", try to show your belief through the details you provide. "I strongly believe in the importance of education because I've seen firsthand how it can transform lives..."

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of "strongly" used in different contexts?
  • Help you analyze sentences to see if "strongly" is the best word choice?
  • Generate some sentences using "strongly" to illustrate its usage?

Synonyms for the word strongly

Practice with vocabulary strongly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee members __________ recommended that the new security protocols be implemented immediately.
  2. Although the team experienced some initial setbacks, their dedication to the project remained __________.
  3. Many experts __________ believe that the recent market fluctuations are a direct result of global economic uncertainty.
  4. The new software update aims to __________ improve system efficiency, reducing processing time by almost 30%.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The CEO's decision to restructure the company was met with __________ opposition from several department heads. (A) weakly (B) strongly (C) mildly (D) slightly

  2. During the negotiation, our legal team argued __________ and convincingly for the inclusion of the new clause. (A) vaguely (B) firmly (C) strongly (D) casually

  3. The report highlighted that the environmental damage to the coastal ecosystem was __________ impacting local wildlife. (A) gently (B) moderately (C) severely (D) lightly

  4. Our research findings __________ support the hypothesis that early intervention leads to better educational outcomes. (A) tentatively (B) strongly (C) firmly (D) partially

  5. Employee engagement is __________ valued at our company, and we continuously seek feedback to foster a positive work environment. (A) lightly (B) highly (C) vaguely (D) narrowly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The management team holds an unwavering conviction that the current strategy will yield positive results. Rewrite:

  2. Original: The adverse weather conditions had a considerable effect on the construction timeline. Rewrite:

  3. Original: Due to his extensive experience, the consultant's advice was regarded with great respect by the board. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. strongly
  2. firm
  3. strongly
  4. significantly

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. (B) strongly
  2. (B) firmly, (C) strongly
  3. (C) severely
  4. (B) strongly, (C) firmly
  5. (B) highly

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: The management team strongly believes that the current strategy will yield positive results.
  2. Rewrite: The adverse weather conditions strongly impacted the construction timeline.
  3. Rewrite: Due to his extensive experience, the consultant's advice was highly regarded by the board.

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