Latin Words for Strength

There is no single Latin word that covers every English meaning of strength. Physical force, sturdy endurance, bravery and moral fortitude can call for different vocabulary.

Fortis

Fortis is an adjective meaning strong, brave, steadfast or courageous. It is often the best answer when someone wants to describe a strong person.

Robur

Robur can mean strength, hardness, firmness or sturdy power. It is related to the idea of oak and toughness and is the source of the English family behind robust.

Vis

Vis can mean force, power, strength or energy. It emphasizes active force more than steady character.

Fortitudo

Fortitudo is strength, firmness or courage, the source of English fortitude.

Virtus

Virtus can express excellence, valor, courage and moral worth. It is culturally richer than a simple translation of strength.

Potentia

Potentia refers to power, capacity or potential. It is better when the intended sense is capability or power rather than muscular strength.

Validus

Validus means strong, powerful, healthy or effective depending on context.

Which word should you choose?

• strong/brave person: fortis
• sturdy strength: robur
• force or power: vis
• fortitude/courage: fortitudo
• valor/excellence: virtus
• capability/power: potentia
• strong/healthy/effective: validus