stamina
STAM-uh-nuh
/ˈstæmɪnə/
the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort.
Stamina is often used for the 'raw capacity' to keep going, whereas endurance often refers to the 'willpower' or 'durability' under stress.
The story behind the word. In Roman mythology, the Fates spun the 'stamina'—the threads of life. The length of your thread determined how long you lived. Over time, the word shifted from the 'length of life' to the 'strength to keep going'.
Word relationships
- endurance: Very similar, but endurance often implies resisting hardship or pain.
- vigor: Implies physical strength and good health, but not necessarily for a long duration.
- frailty: The condition of being weak and delicate.
- lethargy: A lack of energy and enthusiasm.
Commonly confused with
- stamen: The stamen is the male fertilizing organ of a flower; stamina is the plural of stamen in Latin, referring to the 'threads of life'.
Collocations
- build stamina
- physical stamina
- mental stamina
Example sentences
- "The young boxer had plenty of speed, but he lacked the stamina to last twelve rounds." Describing an athlete's capability.
- "It's not just about talent; it's about the stamina to keep showing up every single day." A quote about the nature of success.
Memory hook
Stamina: Stay-In-A (Stay in a race for a long time). The thread that keeps you going.
When not to use
Not used for short bursts of power (that is strength or speed).
Fun facts
- In Latin, 'stamina' is actually the plural form of 'stamen', but in English, we treat it as a singular noun.
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.