Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| firmitudo | [fɪr.mɪˈtuː.doː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [fir.miˈtuː.do] (narrow) |
feminine |
| fortitudo | [fɔr.tɪˈtuː.doː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [for.tiˈtuː.do] (narrow) |
|
| firmitas | [ˈfɪr.mɪ.taːs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈfir.mi.tas] (narrow) |
feminine |
| robur | [ˈroː.bʊr] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈrɔː.bur] (narrow) |
neuter |
In Latin, the word used for strength depends on whether you are describing physical power, moral courage or structural stability. While firmitudo and firmitas relate to firmness and stability, robur is used for physical vigor and toughness and fortitudo describes mental or moral strength.
Which one should you use?
The different forms of the word carry distinct nuances: firmitudo refers to the quality of being firm, stable or structurally sound. robur expresses physical strength, often associated with natural vigor or the hardness of oak wood. fortitudo is used specifically for moral strength, such as courage or bravery. firmitas is a related feminine noun implying stability and resilience.
How does it change in a sentence?
The nouns change form depending on their role in a sentence. The neuter noun robur has the genitive singular form roboris (of strength). The feminine noun fortitudo has the genitive singular form fortitudinis (of strength), and the feminine noun firmitas has the genitive singular form firmitatis (of firmness).
Did you know?
- The word robur was originally rōbus, but it changed its ending to match the pattern of the word iecur meaning 'liver'.
- The Latin word firmitas is the ancestor of the English word 'firmness' and implies a resilience that resists change.
- The suffix used in firmitudo and fortitudo is a common way in Latin to turn an adjective into an abstract noun describing a quality.
Examples in context
- Fortitudo mea et robur meum Dominus, et factus est mihi in salutem.The Lord is my strength and my praise, and he is become salvation to me.This sentence uses robur to express strength.Tatoeba #8051518 by carlosalberto, translation #8051522 by carlosalberto
- Ruben primogenitus meus, tu fortitudo mea et principium roboris mei, prior in dignitate, maior in robore!Ruben, my firstborn, thou art my strength, and the beginning of my sorrow, excelling in gifts, greater in command.This sentence uses fortitudo to describe a person's strength.Tatoeba #7919157 by carlosalberto, translation #7919159 by carlosalberto
- Virtus vincit omnia.Strength conquers all.
- Fortitudo mea est in Deo.My strength is in God.
- Vis corporis.Strength of the body.
- Firmitas mentis.Strength of the mind.
- Firmitudo animi est necessaria.Strength of mind is necessary.
Example conversation
Claudia and Marcus are discussing a sturdy bridge.
- ClaudiaVide firmitudinem huius pontis.Look at the strength of this bridge.
- MarcusIta, lapides sunt validissimi.Yes, the stones are very strong.
- ClaudiaFirmitudo eius est mirabilis.Its strength is wonderful.
- MarcusCerte tuti sumus.Surely we are safe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strength” translations and entries firmitudo, fortitudo, firmitas, robur, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries firmitas, firmitudo, fortitudo, robur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
