Definition of robust

The word "robust" derived from the old French word "robuste," which literally means "strong in capacities." It entered the English language during the Middle Ages through Old French, and by the 14th century, it had become a part of the English vocabulary. The original meaning of the word "robust" was "having large capacities for food and drink" - indicative of the association between physical strength and appetites during that era. This association was perhaps inspired by the observation that people with ample body mass tend to consume more calories and, in turn, appear more capable, both physically and metaphorically. However, over time, the meaning of "robust" became more abstract. By the 16th century, it began to refer to "having vigorous growth; flourishing; healthy." The meaning of the word changed from being related to individual capacities to being related to the overall strength or quality of something. Eventually, in the 17th century, "robust" began to be used to describe people, objects, or qualities that are "strong or sturdy" and "able to withstand hardship." It came to be associated more with endurance than with substantiality, as it was recognized that resilience and the ability to overcome adversity were also indicative of strength. So, the origin of the word "robust" lies in the idea of capacity, but its meaning has evolved over time to reflect a broader understanding of what it means to be strong.