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forcefulness

forcefulness

2 5.1
A strong, clear, and confident quality in speech, action, or physical strength
  • noun
  • /ˈfɔrsfəl nəs/
translation icon : fuerza
  • With a remarkable forcefulness, she argued for the change in policy during the board meeting.
  • said with forcefulness

Examples

  • Urged on by Peregrine with a rare show of forcefulness, Julia shyly accepted the invitation.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Robin is shocked by George's forcefulness.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • "I need a drink," she said with sudden forcefulness.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • But, most importantly, do not cross the line into forcefulness and pushiness.

    Blog text (3)
  • The raw urgency, the forcefulness in him, Sunny had never seen before, and she was frightened.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • While Anna projected forcefulness, Camilla was obedient and self-sacrificing.

    Academic text (1994)
  • Despite this disappointment, Scola speaks admiringly of Walinakwan's ritual knowledge and political forcefulness.

    Academic text (1997)
  • "You can take my carriage again, if you like," Caroline offered, then blushed at her own forcefulness and the urgency with which she was pursuing the issue.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The arguments that followed, lauding industrial competition, praising American political institutions, and denouncing the efforts of labor agitators to pit class against class, took their forcefulness from Malone's recognition of the claims of social justice.

    Academic text (1992)
  • The speaker's forcefulness captivated the audience and held their attention throughout the presentation.

Synonyms

strength
vsforcefulness
1.2

Physical or mental power a person has to act

is focused on expressive intensity rather than only raw power
assertiveness
vsforcefulness
8 4.6

The quality of being confident and direct when saying what you think or want

is stronger, adding intensity and a more forceful delivery
vehemence
vsforcefulness
  • Formal
6 8.4

A very strong feeling shown in speech or action

is similar but covers strong manner without necessarily having emotion
intenseness
vsforcefulness
5.6

A strong feeling, force, or attention in something

is broader, also applying to strong speech and assertive presence
punchiness
vsforcefulness
  • Literature
5.9

A strong, lively quality that makes a big impact

is wider, applying to sustained strength in speech or action
pungence
vsforcefulness
  • Archaic
9.5

A sharp, biting way of speaking or writing that strongly affects people

is less about sharp tone and more about general strength
self-assertiveness
vsforcefulness
6.3

Confidently saying what you think or want in a firm way

is more general, covering force in speech, action, and presence
vigorousness
vsforcefulness
5.0

A state of being full of energy and strength

emphasizes expressive strength and assertive manner rather than vigor alone

Antonyms

133 1.4

Lack of physical or mental strength that makes someone less able to act

1 5.2

A lack of strength in an argument or evidence

How Forceful

power
3.4
strength
1.2
forcefulness
2 5.1
firmness
5 3.5
mildness
1 3.3

Surface Forms

forcefulness singular

Morphology

forcefulness = forceful (transparent) = force + ful + ness

Derived by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ness' to the clear adjective 'forceful', producing the quality or state of being forceful.

Etymology

Forcefulness comes from force, an old word meaning 'strength' or 'power' and is related to fort, a word for a strong place. So to be forceful is to show 'strength' in your speech, actions, or presence, which explains the modern meaning.