strongpoint: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Military, Business
Quick answer
What does “strongpoint” mean?
A fortified defensive position, especially in military contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fortified defensive position, especially in military contexts; a place of greatest strength.
An area in which a person or organisation excels; a particular skill, asset, or advantage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling as one word ('strongpoint') is slightly more common than the hyphenated form ('strong-point'). The two-word form ('strong point') is also acceptable, especially in the figurative sense.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. The military connotation is primary; the figurative sense is a metaphorical extension.
Frequency
More frequent in British English in military writing. In everyday figurative use, 'strength' or 'asset' is more common than 'strongpoint' in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “strongpoint” in a Sentence
N of N (a strongpoint of the defence)N for N (a strongpoint for the regiment)ADJ + N (a formidable strongpoint)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in SWOT analysis or strategy discussions to denote a core competitive advantage. 'Our customer service is a key strongpoint.'
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical or political science texts discussing military strategy.
Everyday
Used figuratively to talk about personal skills. 'Cooking has never been my strongpoint.'
Technical
Standard term in military doctrine, historical accounts of warfare, and wargaming.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “strongpoint”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “strongpoint”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “strongpoint”
- Spelling as two separate words in contexts where the one-word form is preferred (e.g., 'The hill was a key strong point.'). Using it to mean a 'good idea' (e.g., 'That's a strongpoint' – incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly written as one word ('strongpoint'), though the hyphenated form ('strong-point') and the two-word form ('strong point') are also seen, especially for the figurative meaning.
'Strength' is a general, common term for a positive quality or capacity. 'Strongpoint' is more specific and often implies a point of defence or a singular, notable strength within a set of attributes, sometimes with a military connotation.
No, 'strongpoint' is exclusively a noun. There is no standard verb form.
Yes, it is relatively formal. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to use 'strength' or 'strong suit' for the figurative meaning.
A fortified defensive position, especially in military contexts.
Strongpoint: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstrɒŋpɔɪnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstrɔːŋpɔɪnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to hold the strongpoint”
- “to be one's strongpoint”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a POINT on a map that is STRONGly defended. Your personal STRONG POINT is where you are strongest.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH/ADVANTAGE IS A FORTIFIED PLACE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'strongpoint' LEAST likely to be used?