Strong-minded
adj.resilient, capablewarm
What it means
Independent and firm in judgment, especially when facing pressure to conform.
Reach for it when praising principled mental independence rather than refusal to consider evidence
The strong-minded juror resisted the rumor and returned to the testimony.
Choose between these
6- playful
opinionated
when holding and expressing many firm views is meant
not when Opinionated is usually critical and does not imply thoughtful principles.
- everyday
strong-willed
when determination to act is the defining trait
not when Willpower can become stubbornness and says little about judgment.
- warm
when commitment remains reliable through difficulty
not when Steadfastness concerns constancy more than mental independence.
- professional
when forming one's own judgments is the precise virtue
not when Independence can become reflexive disagreement rather than sound judgment.
- professional
when confidence in one's judgment is visible
not when Assurance can be misplaced and may yield quickly under social pressure.
- formal
when firm intention under pressure matters
not when Resolve may serve a decision made without independent thought.
Said against
3- weak-willed
- pliant
- indecisive
It naturally appears in
3- strong-minded person
A strong-minded person can revise a view without becoming weak.
- strong-minded leader
The strong-minded leader invited evidence that challenged her plan.
- remain strong-minded
He remained strong-minded without dismissing the quieter experts.
Where this comes from
Strong-minded is positive when firmness remains responsive to evidence; otherwise obstinate or dogmatic may be more accurate.
- wiktionary, English adjective, having firm opinions and determination sense opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.