Definition
Physical or mental power that allows someone to do hard things; strength or energy.
Example
Ela teve força para continuar mesmo quando estava cansada.
Show translation
She had the strength to keep going even when she was tired.
Etymology
From Latin *fortia*, the nominalized form of *fortis* ("strong, brave"). The same root gives English "force," French *force*, and Spanish *fuerza*. Over time, the Latin cluster *-ti-* evolved into the sibilant /s/ typical of Portuguese.
Cultural note
*Força* is one of the most emotionally loaded words in Brazilian Portuguese. It functions as a standalone exclamation — shout "Força!" to cheer on a sports team, encourage a friend through a hard time, or rally a crowd. It sits somewhere between "Come on!", "You've got this!", and "Stay strong!" in English. You'll see it painted on stadium banners and hear it at the bedside of someone ill. The phrase *vai com força* ("go with strength") is common before someone faces a challenge.