STRENUOUS

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does strenuous mean? 

• STRENUOUS (adjective)
  The adjective STRENUOUS has 2 senses:

1. characterized by or performed with much energy or force

2. taxing to the utmost; testing powers of endurance

  Familiarity information: STRENUOUS used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• STRENUOUS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Characterized by or performed with much energy or force

Context example:

strenuous exercise

Similar:

energetic (possessing or exerting or displaying energy)

Derivation:

strain (an intense or violent exertion)

strenuosity (intense energy)

strenuousness (extreme effortfulness)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Taxing to the utmost; testing powers of endurance

Synonyms:

arduous; straining; strenuous

Context example:

your willingness after these six arduous days to remain here

Similar:

effortful (requiring great physical effort)

Derivation:

strain (an effortful attempt to attain a goal)

strenuousness (extreme effortfulness)

 Context examples 

The words came out in broken, strenuous speech, while the lady's fair face was writhed and drawn like that of one who looks upon a horror which strikes the words from her lips.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Minor restrictions in physically strenuous activity.

(Lansky Performance Status 90, NCI Thesaurus)

Nut allergy sufferers are at greater risk of a dangerous reaction if they have not slept well or have taken strenuous exercise.

(Poor Sleep, Lack of Exercise Increase Risk of Nut Allergy, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

You will find November to be less strenuous than October, and for that, you will likely be grateful.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)

I felt, as I looked upon that supple figure, alive with nervous energy, that it was indeed a strenuous day that awaited us.

(The Return of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory and able to carry out work of a light or sedentary nature, e.g., light house work, office work.

(ECOG Performance Status 1, NCI Thesaurus)

Dr. Illingworth was imperfectly heard in part of his remarks on account of the strenuous opposition of the friends of the explorers.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

Angina occurs with strenuous, rapid, or prolonged exertion at work or recreation.

(Canadian Cardiovascular Society Grading Scale Class, NCI Thesaurus)

And, indeed, to own the truth, I do not think nurse, in her heart, is a very strenuous opposer of Sir Walter's making a second match.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)

A hypoglycemic reaction to overdosage of insulin, a skipped meal, or strenuous exercise in an insulin-dependent diabetic.

(Insulin Shock, NCI Thesaurus)