WordGarden.iosturdily
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /stˈɜːdɪli/
US
Meanings
Adverb
in a strong, solid, or well-supported way
Beyond the definition
If something is built sturdily, it's made to last—strong, solid, and unlikely to fall apart. Think of a massive stone wall or an old oak table that doesn't budge when pushed. It describes how something is constructed or positioned, emphasizing its reliability and resilience. A house might be built sturdily with thick beams and reinforced foundations, while a hiker might plant their feet sturdily on a steep trail to keep their balance.
Imagine a wooden stool: if it's wobbly and feels like it might snap, it isn't built sturdily. But if it feels rock-solid under your weight, able to withstand years of use, then it was crafted sturdily. It's more than just being strong; it implies a quality of construction that inspires confidence and lasting power.
The word "sturdily" is an adverb that describes the way something is made, placed, or held, with an emphasis on strength, firmness, and stability. It goes beyond simply being "strong"; it suggests that something is solid enough to stay secure and keep working well over time. Think of the difference between something that barely holds together and something built sturdily enough to handle years of pressure and use.
You might say a bridge was constructed sturdily to handle heavy traffic, meaning it was designed with strong materials and careful engineering for long-term safety. Or perhaps an experienced sailor sturdily lashed the cargo to the deck, making sure that nothing would shift even when the ship was tossed by rough seas.
"Sturdily" is used most often for physical things, but it can also describe the way a person stands or holds something. Someone might stand sturdily against a strong wind, with their feet planted firmly on the ground. In this wider sense, the word still keeps its basic idea of physical support, balance, and dependable strength.
So, when you see something made to survive hard use, bad weather, or heavy weight, "sturdily" is a natural word for it. It points to reliability, endurance, and the kind of solid quality that gives people confidence.
Examples
- 1
Furniture
The table was sturdily built and didn't wobble when we leaned on it.
- 2
Clothing
He wore a pair of sturdily made boots for the long mountain walk.
- 3
Infrastructure
The bridge was designed sturdily enough to withstand winter storms.
- 4
Body build
She's sturdily built, so carrying heavy boxes doesn't tire her quickly.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sturdilyadverb