stamina
STAM-uh-nuh
/ˈstæmɪnə/
The physical or mental strength to keep doing something difficult for a long time.
Focuses on the internal energy or 'staying power' required to keep going.
The story behind the word. In Latin, 'stamina' is the plural of 'stamen,' meaning thread. In Roman mythology, the Fates spun the 'threads of life'; thus, having stamina meant you had plenty of life-thread left to keep going.
Word relationships
- vitality: Vitality is general life energy; stamina is specifically the ability to endure hardship.
- lethargy: Lethargy is a lack of energy or enthusiasm.
Commonly confused with
- endurance: Endurance is the act of lasting; stamina is the power that allows you to do so.
Collocations
- build stamina
- physical stamina
- mental stamina
Example sentences
- "Long-distance swimmers need incredible stamina to maintain their form over several miles." Sports training
- "The grueling audit required a level of mental stamina that few in the office possessed." Workplace
Memory hook
Think of the 'Stay-Puft' Marshmallow Man—he has the 'stamina' to stay big and keep going. Stamina = Staying power.
When not to use
Don't use it for a single burst of power; use it for sustained effort.
Fun facts
- The word was originally used in English to describe the essential parts of a flower before it took on its athletic meaning.
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