full-strength
|full-strength|
/fʊlˈstrɛŋθ/
maximum strength / full potency
Etymology
'full-strength' originates from two Old English elements: 'full' (Old English 'full', from Proto-Germanic '*fullaz') meaning 'filled or complete', and 'strength' (Old English 'strengþu') meaning 'force, vigor'.
'full-strength' developed as a compound from Middle English phrases such as 'ful strengthe' (literally 'full strength') and later became hyphenated or written as a single compound in Modern English to describe full potency or force.
Initially the components referred separately to 'completeness' and 'force'; over time they fused as a compound to denote the combined idea of 'maximum potency or capability', a usage that has remained stable in modern contexts (e.g., beverages, forces, teams).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or condition of being at maximum strength or full capability.
After a week of rest he was back at full-strength and ready to work.
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Adjective 1
at maximum strength, potency, or concentration; not diluted or reduced (often used of beverages, solutions, forces, or capability).
They preferred to buy full-strength beer rather than the low-alcohol version.
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Adverb 1
in a state or manner of full potency or maximum strength (used after verbs, e.g., to consume something without dilution).
He drank the tonic full-strength rather than mixing it with water.
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Last updated: 2025/11/08 16:47