Hard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hard
[hɑːd ]
Definitions
to describe a difficult situation
Not easily penetrated; not readily yielding to pressure or weight; firm; solid; compact.
Synonyms
challenging, difficult, tough.
Examples of usage
- The rock was too hard to break with just a hammer.
- She had a hard time understanding the math problem.
to describe an action done with a lot of effort
With much force or effort; with difficulty.
Synonyms
diligently, intensely, vigorously.
Examples of usage
- He had to work hard to achieve his goals.
- She ran hard to catch the bus on time.
to describe a tough person
A firm or fixed position from which it is difficult to move.
Synonyms
resolute individual, stern negotiator, tough person.
Examples of usage
- He was a hard when it came to negotiations.
- She is a hard to crack in business deals.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Studies suggest that people perceive physical hardness in objects similarly to emotional toughness; both can represent resilience.
- In learning contexts, 'hard' tasks may motivate some individuals more than others, as challenge can foster growth.
- Psychological research often debates whether persevering through hard experiences builds character or causes stress.
Culture
- In popular music, hard rock refers to a genre characterized by a strong sound and heavy beats, reflecting toughness.
- Colloquially, 'hard' can describe a person seen as tough or unyielding, often in a positive or negative light depending on context.
- The phrase 'hard work' is celebrated in many cultures, emphasizing the value of effort and determination.
Science
- In materials science, hardness measures a material's resistance to deformation, important in engineering and product design.
- Geologically, hard rocks such as granite are formed under high pressure and temperature, making them durable and long-lasting.
- The Mohs scale ranks minerals by hardness, with talc being the softest and diamond the hardest, highlighting the properties of different materials.
Literature
- The word frequently appears in literature to describe characters facing hard realities, reflecting themes of struggle and endurance.
- Classic poems often use 'hard' metaphorically to depict tough emotional landscapes or challenges.
- Authors like Dickens and Steinbeck explored the 'hard' lives of characters to comment on social issues and resilience.
Origin of 'hard'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'hard' comes from the Old English 'heard,' which meant strong and firm.
- In German, a similar word 'hart' also means hard or tough, showing similarities between languages.
- The term has evolved over centuries, retaining its core meanings related to solidity and strength.
The word 'hard' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'heard'. Over time, its meaning has evolved to represent something difficult, firm, or requiring a lot of effort. It is commonly used in various contexts to describe challenges, toughness, or resilience.
See also: hardball, harden, hardening, harder, hardliner, hardly, hardness, hardship, hardships, hardware, hardy.