strong verb
A 'strong verb' is a term primarily used in Germanic languages, including English, to describe verbs that change their stem vowel to indicate tense, rather than adding a suffix.
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Definition
C1Grammar
(technical, academic)A verb that forms its past tense and past participle by changing its stem vowel instead of adding a suffix like -ed.
Example
- "Swim" is a strong verb because it changes to "swam" and "swum" in the past tense and past participle.
C2Linguistics
(technical, academic)A verb that uses internal vowel changes, known as ablaut, to signal different grammatical forms.
B2Literary
(informal)A verb chosen for its vividness and emotional impact, often replacing a more generic verb to create a stronger visual or emotional impression.
Example
- The author used 'slink' instead of 'walk' to give a more vivid description of the character's movement.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "strong verb":