Fortitude vs. Strength — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 29, 2024
Fortitude refers to mental and emotional resilience in adversity, focusing on endurance, while strength is broader, involving physical, mental, or moral power.
Difference Between Fortitude and Strength
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fortitude is primarily about courage and the ability to withstand tough challenges or long-term difficulties. On the other hand, strength encompasses physical power, as well as the capacity to influence or endure various situations.
Fortitude is often discussed in contexts that require persistence and emotional resilience, whereas strength can be relevant in both brief, intense efforts and sustained endeavors.
While fortitude is specifically about inner grit and perseverance, strength may also refer to the ability to perform physically demanding tasks or assert one's will in a forceful way.
Fortitude is considered a virtue in many philosophical and ethical systems, emphasizing stoicism and patience; strength, however, is often valued for its versatility and usefulness in both physical and metaphorical applications.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Mental and emotional resilience in adversity.
Capacity or power for physical, mental, or moral effort.
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Context
Psychological endurance, emotional challenges.
Physical tasks, influence, decision-making.
Duration
Long-term persistence.
Can be immediate or sustained.
Primary Focus
Inner grit, stoicism.
Physical power, assertiveness.
Philosophical Value
Often linked to virtue and ethics.
Associated with capability and effectiveness.
Compare with Definitions
Fortitude
The strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain.
The fortitude displayed by the leaders inspired the team.
Strength
The quality or state of being physically strong.
He lifted the heavy box with surprising strength.
Fortitude
Courage in pain or adversity.
She showed remarkable fortitude during her illness.
Strength
The potency or degree of concentration of a substance.
The strength of the solution is critical for the experiment.
Fortitude
Perseverance in the face of adversity.
Fortitude was his main weapon against the challenges.
Strength
The influence or power possessed by a person or organization.
The strength of her leadership was undeniable.
Fortitude
Emotional and mental strength in facing difficulty.
His fortitude kept him calm during the crisis.
Strength
The ability to perform or endure under pressure.
His strength in negotiations helped close the deal.
Fortitude
Endurance of distress without complaint.
She bore her suffering with great fortitude.
Strength
The capacity to withstand force or stress without deformation.
The strength of the bridge was tested in the simulation.
Fortitude
Strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage.
Strength
The quality or state of being physically strong
Cycling can help you build up your strength
Fortitude
Mental or emotional strength that enables courage in the face of adversity.
Strength
The capacity of an object or substance to withstand great force or pressure
They were taking no chances with the strength of the retaining wall
Fortitude
(archaic) Physical strength.
Strength
The potency or degree of concentration of a drug, chemical, or drink
The solution comes in two strengths
It's double the strength of your average beer
Fortitude
Power to resist attack; strength; firmness.
The fortitude of the place is best known to you.
Strength
A good or beneficial quality or attribute of a person or thing
The strengths and weaknesses of their sales and marketing operation
His strength was his obsessive single-mindedness
Fortitude
That strength or firmness of mind which enables a person to encounter danger with coolness and courage, or to bear pain or adversity without murmuring, depression, or despondency; passive courage; resolute endurance; firmness in confronting or bearing up against danger or enduring trouble.
Extolling patience as the truest fortitude.
Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues.
Strength
The number of people comprising a group, typically a team or army
The peacetime strength of the army was 415,000
Fortitude
Strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with courage
Strength
The state or quality of being strong; physical power or capacity
The strength needed to lift a box.
Strength
The capacity to resist attack; impregnability
The strength of the ship's armor.
Strength
The capacity to resist strain or stress; durability
The strength of the cables.
Strength
The ability to deal with difficult situations or to maintain a moral or intellectual position
Does he have the strength to overcome such a tragedy?.
Strength
The number of people constituting a normal or ideal organization
The police force has been at half strength since the budget cuts.
Strength
Capability in terms of numbers or resources
An army of fearsome strength.
Strength
An attribute or quality of particular worth or utility; an asset
Your easygoing nature is one of your strengths.
Strength
One that is regarded as the embodiment of protective or supportive power; a support or mainstay
Her family has been her strength in difficult times.
Strength
Degree of concentration, distillation, or saturation
What's the strength of that cleaning solution?.
Strength
Operative effectiveness or potency
The strength of the drug.
Strength
Intensity, as of sound or light
The strength of the wind.
Strength
Intensity of emotion or belief
The strength of feeling among the voters.
Strength
Cogency or persuasiveness
The strength of his argument.
Strength
Effective or binding force; efficacy
The strength of an argument.
Strength
Firmness of or a continuous rising tendency in prices, as of a currency or market.
Strength
(Games) Power derived from the value of playing cards held.
Strength
The quality or degree of being strong.
It requires great strength to lift heavy objects.
Strength
The intensity of a force or power; potency.
He had the strength of ten men.
Strength
The strongest part of something; that on which confidence or reliance is based.
Strength
A positive attribute.
We all have our own strengths and weaknesses.
Strength
(obsolete) An armed force, a body of troops.
Strength
(obsolete) A strong place; a stronghold.
Strength
(obsolete) To strengthen all senses.
Strength
The quality or state of being strong; ability to do or to bear; capacity for exertion or endurance, whether physical, intellectual, or moral; force; vigor; power; as, strength of body or of the arm; strength of mind, of memory, or of judgment.
All his [Samson's] strength in his hairs were.
Thou must outliveThy youth, thy strength, thy beauty.
Strength
Power to resist force; solidity or toughness; the quality of bodies by which they endure the application of force without breaking or yielding; - in this sense opposed to frangibility; as, the strength of a bone, of a beam, of a wall, a rope, and the like.
Strength
Power of resisting attacks; impregnability.
Strength
That quality which tends to secure results; effective power in an institution or enactment; security; validity; legal or moral force; logical conclusiveness; as, the strength of social or legal obligations; the strength of law; the strength of public opinion; strength of evidence; strength of argument.
Strength
One who, or that which, is regarded as embodying or affording force, strength, or firmness; that on which confidence or reliance is based; support; security.
God is our refuge and strength.
What they boded would be a mischief to us, you are providing shall be one of our principal strengths.
Certainly there is not a greater strength against temptation.
Strength
Force as measured; amount, numbers, or power of any body, as of an army, a navy, and the like; as, what is the strength of the enemy by land, or by sea?
Strength
Vigor or style; force of expression; nervous diction; - said of literary work.
And praise the easy vigor of a lifeWhere Denham's strength and Waller's sweetness join.
Strength
Intensity; - said of light or color.
Bright Phœbus in his strength.
Strength
Intensity or degree of the distinguishing and essential element; spirit; virtue; excellence; - said of liquors, solutions, etc.; as, the strength of wine or of acids.
Strength
A strong place; a stronghold.
Strength
To strengthen.
Strength
The property of being physically or mentally strong;
Fatigue sapped his strength
Strength
Capability in terms of personnel and materiel that affect the capacity to fight a war;
We faced an army of great strength
Politicians have neglected our military posture
Strength
Physical energy or intensity;
He hit with all the force he could muster
It was destroyed by the strength of the gale
A government has not the vitality and forcefulness of a living man
Strength
An asset of special worth or utility;
Cooking is his forte
Strength
The power to induce the taking of a course of action or the embracing of a point of view by means of argument or entreaty;
The strength of his argument settled the matter
Strength
The amount of energy transmitted (as by acoustic or electromagnetic radiation);
He adjusted the intensity of the sound
They measured the station's signal strength
Strength
Capacity to produce strong physiological or chemical effects;
The toxin's potency
The strength of the drinks
Strength
The condition of financial success;
The strength of the company's stock in recent weeks
Strength
Permanence by virtue of the power to resist stress or force;
They advertised the durability of their products
Common Curiosities
How do fortitude and strength differ in use?
Fortitude is specifically used to describe emotional and mental endurance, while strength has broader applications including physical power.
Is fortitude a physical or mental trait?
Fortitude is primarily a mental and emotional trait.
What type of strength is most commonly referred to in everyday language?
Physical strength is most commonly referred to, though the context can shift to mental or moral strengths depending on the conversation.
Does strength have a moral component?
Strength can have a moral component, especially when it pertains to character strength or integrity.
Can strength include aspects of fortitude?
Yes, strength can encompass mental aspects like fortitude, especially when referring to psychological resilience.
How is fortitude viewed in philosophical contexts?
In philosophy, fortitude is often viewed as a cardinal virtue representing resilience and steadfastness in the face of moral trials.
What does strength mean?
Strength can refer to physical power, mental resilience, or the potency of a substance or entity.
Can someone be strong but lack fortitude?
Yes, a person might have physical strength but lack the fortitude to endure emotional or long-term challenges.
What is fortitude?
Fortitude refers to the courage and strength that helps individuals face adversity without giving up.
How do leaders exhibit both fortitude and strength?
Leaders exhibit fortitude through their resolve and handling of crises, and strength through their decisiveness and influence.
In what situations is fortitude particularly important?
Fortitude is important in long-term challenges or when facing persistent hardships.
How do sports illustrate both fortitude and strength?
In sports, fortitude is shown by an athlete’s persistence and mental toughness, while strength is often demonstrated in physical prowess and stamina.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
