vigorous
Meaning
very active, determined, or full of energy
strong and healthy; growing thickly and strongly
Structure
Usage
the company has made vigorous efforts to expand its market share.
he was a vigorous opponent of the new policy.
after the fire, vigorous new growth appeared on the forest floor.
Etymology
the word vigorous originates from the latin adjective 'vigorosus', meaning 'full of vigor'. this, in turn, derives from the latin noun 'vigor' (active strength, liveliness), which is built upon the verb 'vigere' (to be lively, to thrive). the underlying proto-indo-european root is believed to be weg- meaning 'to be strong, lively', which also gives rise to english words like 'wake' and 'watch'. thus, the literal sense of 'full of liveliness' evolved seamlessly into the modern meanings describing energetic activity or robust physical growth.
Analysis
vigor (from latin 'vigor', meaning 'liveliness, activity', from the verb 'vigere', 'to be lively, to thrive'); ous (a suffix forming adjectives, from latin '-osus', meaning 'full of, characterized by')