Strong vs. Weak: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Strong refers to having great physical power, strength, or durability, while weak denotes a lack of strength, power, or durability.
Key Differences
Strong is used to describe something with considerable physical power or force, like a strong athlete. Weak refers to lacking physical strength or easily fatigued, like a weak limb.
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Nov 18, 2023
In terms of durability, strong implies being able to withstand pressure or damage, like strong materials. Weak suggests being easily damaged or broken, as in a weak structure.
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Strong also refers to something intense or potent, like a strong flavor. Weak indicates a lack of intensity or potency, such as a weak coffee.
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When describing character, strong implies having determination or resilience, like a strong leader. Weak can mean lacking determination or easily swayed, as in a weak argument.
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In technical terms, strong can mean having a powerful signal or influence, like a strong radio signal. Weak implies a faint or low-intensity signal, like a weak Wi-Fi connection.
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Comparison Chart
Word Origin
Derived from Old English "strang," meaning powerful or forceful.
Comes from Old English "wāc," meaning not strong.
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Word Type
Often used descriptively in physical, moral, or emotional contexts.
Frequently describes deficiencies in strength, intensity, or quality.
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Strong and Weak Definitions
Strong
Having great physical power or force.
She lifted the heavy box with strong arms.
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Strong
Having a high degree of intensity or potency.
He prefers coffee with a strong taste.
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Strong
Convincing or compelling in argument or character.
Her strong leadership skills were evident.
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Weak
Lacking decisiveness or force of character.
His weak response did not convince anyone.
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Weak
Likely to fail under pressure, stress, or strain; lacking resistance
A weak link in a chain.
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Strong
In good or sound health; robust
A strong constitution.
A strong heart.
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Weak
Lacking firmness of character or strength of will
A weak person unable to cope with adversity.
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Strong
Having force of character, will, morality, or intelligence
A strong personality.
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Strong
Having or showing ability or achievement in a specified field
Students who are strong in chemistry.
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Strong
Capable of withstanding force or wear; solid, tough, or firm
A strong building.
A strong fabric.
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Weak
Lacking or resulting from a lack of intelligence
A weak mind.
Weak reasoning.
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Strong
Not easily upset; resistant to harmful or unpleasant influences
Strong nerves.
A strong stomach.
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Weak
Of, relating to, or being those verbs in Germanic languages that form a past tense and past participle by means of a dental suffix, as start, started; have, had; bring, brought.
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Weak
Of, relating to, or being the inflection of nouns or adjectives in Germanic languages with a declensional suffix that historically contained an n.
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Weak
Unstressed or unaccented in pronunciation or poetic meter. Used of a word or syllable.
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Weak
Designating a verse ending in which the metrical stress falls on a word or syllable that is unstressed in normal speech, such as a preposition.
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Strong
Having force of conviction or feeling; uncompromising
Strong faith.
A strong supporter.
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Weak
Lacking in force (usually strength) or ability.
The child was too weak to move the boulder.
They easily guessed his weak computer password.
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Weak
Unable to sustain a great weight, pressure, or strain.
A weak timber; a weak rope
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Strong
Having an intense or offensive effect on the senses
Strong light.
Strong vinegar.
Strong cologne.
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Weak
Unable to withstand temptation, urgency, persuasion, etc.; easily impressed, moved, or overcome; accessible; vulnerable.
Weak resolutions; weak virtue
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Weak
Dilute, lacking in taste or potency.
We were served stale bread and weak tea.
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Strong
Readily noticeable; remarkable
A strong resemblance.
A strong contrast.
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Weak
Regular in inflection, lacking vowel changes and having a past tense with -d- or -t-.
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Strong
Having a high concentration of an essential or active ingredient
Mixed a strong solution of bleach and water.
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Weak
Definite in meaning, often used with a definite article or similar word.
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Weak
(chemistry) That does not ionize completely into anions and cations in a solution.
A weak acid;
A weak base
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Weak
(physics) One of the four fundamental forces associated with nuclear decay.
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Strong
Having a specified number of units or members
A military force 100,000 strong.
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Weak
Having a narrow range of logical consequences; narrowly applicable. (Often contrasted with a strong statement which implies it.)
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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.
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Weak
Resulting from, or indicating, lack of judgment, discernment, or firmness; unwise; hence, foolish.
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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.
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Weak
Not having power to convince; not supported by force of reason or truth; unsustained.
The prosecution advanced a weak case.
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Strong
Stressed or accented in pronunciation or poetic meter. Used of a word or syllable.
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Strong
In a strong, powerful, or vigorous manner; forcefully
A salesperson who comes on too strong.
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Weak
Not prevalent or effective, or not felt to be prevalent; not potent; feeble.
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Strong
Capable of producing great physical force.
A big strong man; Jake was tall and strong
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Weak
(stock exchange) Tending towards lower prices.
A weak market; wheat is weak at present
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Strong
Capable of withstanding great physical force.
A strong foundation; good strong shoes
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Strong
(of water, wind, etc.) Having a lot of power.
The man was nearly drowned after a strong undercurrent swept him out to sea.
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Weak
Deficient in strength of body; feeble; infirm; sickly; debilitated; enfeebled; exhausted.
A poor, infirm, weak, and despised old man.
Weak with hunger, mad with love.
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Weak
Not possessing or manifesting intellectual, logical, moral, or political strength, vigor, etc.
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Weak
Not able to sustain a great weight, pressure, or strain; as, a weak timber; a weak rope.
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Strong
Having a high concentration of an essential or active ingredient.
A strong cup of coffee; a strong medicine
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Weak
Feeble of mind; wanting discernment; lacking vigor; spiritless; as, a weak king or magistrate.
To think every thing disputable is a proof of a weak mind and captious temper.
Origen was never weak enough to imagine that there were two Gods.
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Strong
(specifically) Having a high alcoholic content.
A strong drink
She gets up, and pours herself a strong one. - Eagles, Lying Eyes
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Weak
Pertaining to, or designating, a verb which forms its preterit (imperfect) and past participle by adding to the present the suffix -ed, -d, or the variant form -t; as in the verbs abash, abashed; abate, abated; deny, denied; feel, felt. See Strong, 19 (a).
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Strong
(grammar) Inflecting in a different manner than the one called weak, such as Germanic verbs which change vowels.
A strong verb
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Weak
Not firmly united or adhesive; easily broken or separated into pieces; not compact; as, a weak ship.
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Strong
(chemistry) That completely ionizes into anions and cations in a solution.
A strong acid;
A strong base
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Weak
Resulting from, or indicating, lack of judgment, discernment, or firmness; unwise; hence, foolish.
If evil thence ensue,She first his weak indulgence will accuse.
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Weak
Tending toward a lower price or lower prices; as, wheat is weak; a weak market.
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Strong
Impressive, good.
You're working with troubled youth in your off time? That’s strong!
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Weak
Not having full confidence or conviction; not decided or confirmed; vacillating; wavering.
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
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Strong
Having a specified number of people or units.
The enemy's army force was five thousand strong.
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Weak
Lacking in good cards; deficient as to number or strength; as, a hand weak in trumps.
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Weak
Not able to resist external force or onset; easily subdued or overcome; as, a weak barrier; as, a weak fortress.
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Strong
Having a wide range of logical consequences; widely applicable. (Often contrasted with a weak statement which it implies.)
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Weak
Not able to withstand temptation, urgency, persuasion, etc.; easily impressed, moved, or overcome; accessible; vulnerable; as, weak resolutions; weak virtue.
Guard thy heartOn this weak side, where most our nature fails.
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Weak
Lacking force of utterance or sound; not sonorous; low; small; feeble; faint.
A voice not soft, weak, piping, and womanish.
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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.
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Weak
Wanting in power to influence or bind; as, weak ties; a weak sense of honor of duty.
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Strong
Having passive physical power; having ability to bear or endure; firm; hale; sound; robust; as, a strong constitution; strong health.
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Weak
Not thoroughly or abundantly impregnated with the usual or required ingredients, or with stimulating and nourishing substances; of less than the usual strength; as, weak tea, broth, or liquor; a weak decoction or solution; a weak dose of medicine.
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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.
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Weak
Not having power to convince; not supported by force of reason or truth; unsustained; as, a weak argument or case.
A case so weak . . . hath much persisted in.
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Strong
Having great military or naval force; powerful; as, a strong army or fleet; a nation strong at sea.
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Weak
Lacking ability for an appropriate function or office; as, weak eyes; a weak stomach; a weak magistrate; a weak regiment, or army.
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Strong
Having great wealth, means, or resources; as, a strong house, or company of merchants.
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Weak
Wanting in point or vigor of expression; as, a weak sentence; a weak style.
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Strong
Reaching a certain degree or limit in respect to strength or numbers; as, an army ten thousand strong.
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Weak
Not prevalent or effective, or not felt to be prevalent; not potent; feeble.
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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.
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Weak
Lacking in elements of political strength; not wielding or having authority or energy; deficient in the resources that are essential to a ruler or nation; as, a weak monarch; a weak government or state.
I must make fair weather yet awhile,Till Henry be more weak, and I more strong.
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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.
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Strong
Ardent; eager; zealous; earnestly engaged; as, a strong partisan; a strong Whig or Tory.
Her mother, ever strong against that match.
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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.
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Weak
Having little physical or spiritual strength;
A weak radio signal
A weak link
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Strong
Full of spirit; containing a large proportion of alcohol; intoxicating; as, strong liquors.
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Oct 19, 2023
Strong
Affecting any sense powerfully; as, strong light, colors, etc.; a strong flavor of onions; a strong scent.
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Oct 19, 2023
Weak
Used of vowels or syllables; pronounced with little or no stress;
A syllable that ends in a short vowel is a light syllable
A weak stress on the second syllable
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Strong
Well established; firm; not easily overthrown or altered; as, a strong custom; a strong belief.
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Weak
Having the attributes of man as opposed to e.g. divine beings;
I'm only human
Frail humanity
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Strong
Violent; vehement; earnest; ardent.
He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears.
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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.
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Weak
Lacking physical strength or vitality;
A feeble old woman
Her body looked sapless
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Strong
Vigorous; effective; forcible; powerful.
Like her sweet voice is thy harmonious song,As high, as sweet, as easy, and as strong.
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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.
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Weak
Characterized by excessive softness or self-indulgence;
An effeminate civilization
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Strong
Having strength or power greater than average or expected;
A strong radio signal
Strong medicine
A strong man
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Weak
Lacking physical strength or power.
After the illness, he felt weak and tired.
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Weak
Not compelling or poorly argued.
The case was dismissed due to weak evidence.
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Strong
Having or wielding force or authority;
Providing the ground soldier with increasingly potent weapons
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Strong
Having a strong physiological or chemical effect;
A potent toxin
Potent liquor
A potent cup of tea
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Strong
Able to withstand attack;
An impregnable fortress
Fortifications that made the frontier inviolable
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Strong
Of good quality and condition; solidly built;
A solid foundation
Several substantial timber buildings
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Strong
Of verbs not having standard (or regular) inflection;
`sing' is a strong verb
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Strong
Able to withstand great force or pressure.
The bridge is strong enough to hold the weight.
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Strong
Emotionally or mentally robust.
She showed strong resilience during the crisis.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does Strong mean?
Having great physical, emotional, or structural power.
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How is Strong used in a technical sense?
To describe powerful signals or robust systems.
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Nov 18, 2023
Is Weak always negative?
Often, but it can be neutral in some contexts, like a weak tea preference.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can people be described as Strong?
Yes, in terms of physical strength or character.
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Can Strong be used to describe emotions?
Yes, it can describe intense or resilient emotions.
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Can Weak refer to character traits?
Yes, like indecisiveness or lack of conviction.
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What is a Strong material?
A material that can withstand force or pressure.
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Is Strong a subjective term?
It can be, depending on context and perspective.
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How do Weaknesses affect performance?
They can limit effectiveness or efficiency.
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Is Strong related to success?
Often, especially in competitive or challenging situations.
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How is Strong used in fitness?
To describe robust physical health or capability.
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Can Weak be used constructively?
Yes, in identifying areas for improvement or development.
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Is a Weak argument always unconvincing?
Typically, it lacks compelling evidence or reasoning.
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Nov 18, 2023
Does Weak always mean physically feeble?
Not always; it can refer to other deficiencies.
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Nov 18, 2023
Can Strong be a positive trait?
Yes, often in physical, emotional, or moral contexts.
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Nov 18, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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