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Hardness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hardness

[ˈhɑːrdnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

physical property

The quality or state of being hard, as of a substance or material.

Synonyms

solidity, stiffness, toughness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hardness

Often used in scientific and engineering fields to describe the resistance of a material to deformation or scratching.

  • The hardness of the diamond makes it suitable for cutting tools.
  • We measured the hardness of the metal using a special device.
stiffness

Primarily used to describe the rigidity of an object, often in the context of flexibility and movement.

  • The stiffness of the material makes it perfect for constructing bridges.
  • After the workout, I felt stiffness in my muscles.
solidity

Used to describe the state of being firm and strong in structure, often in physical and abstract contexts.

  • The solidity of the building's foundation ensured it could withstand earthquakes.
  • Her arguments had a solidity that convinced everyone.
toughness

Refers to the ability of a material to absorb energy and plastically deform without fracturing, often used in materials science.

  • Steel is valued for its toughness and durability.
  • The toughness of the leather makes these boots ideal for hiking.

Examples of usage

  • The diamond is known for its extreme hardness.
  • The hardness of the rock made it difficult to break.
Context #2 | Noun

difficult situation

The quality or state of being difficult to deal with or endure.

Synonyms

rigidity, severity, toughness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hardness

This word is usually used to describe the physical property of a substance, referring to its resistance to scratching or deformation.

  • The hardness of the diamond makes it an excellent cutting tool.
  • Engineers test the hardness of metals before using them in construction.
toughness

Toughness is used to describe the capability of a material to absorb energy and deform without breaking. It can also be used to describe a person's resilience or ability to handle difficult situations.

  • The toughness of the polymer makes it ideal for extreme conditions.
  • Her toughness helped her overcome many obstacles in life.
rigidity

Use this word when referring to the inability to be bent or forced out of shape. It can also describe a strict adherence to rules or procedures.

  • The rigidity of the steel frame ensures the building's stability.
  • Her rigidity regarding the schedule made it hard to be flexible.
severity

This word is often used to describe the intensity or seriousness of something, particularly in relation to bad situations or conditions. It generally carries a negative connotation.

  • The severity of the storm damaged many homes.
  • The severity of the punishment was questioned by many.

Examples of usage

  • The hardness of the exam questions surprised the students.
  • The hardness of life in the city can be overwhelming.
Context #3 | Noun

harshness

The quality or state of being harsh or severe.

Synonyms

cruelty, severity, sternness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hardness

Describes the physical property of a material that is firm, solid, and not easily broken.

  • The hardness of the diamond makes it ideal for cutting tools
  • The project's success depends on the hardness of the material used
cruelty

Refers to behavior that is deliberately harmful or unkind, often causing physical or emotional pain. This word has a negative connotation.

  • Her cruelty towards animals was reported to the authorities
  • The cruelty of the dictator was evident in his harsh policies
sternness

Refers to a quality of being firm, strict, or unyielding, often in a serious or authoritative manner. This can be used positively or negatively depending on context.

  • The teacher's sternness kept the classroom in order
  • His sternness was evident when he handled the disobedient child
severity

Describes the intensity or harshness of a condition, punishment, or situation, often implying strictness or harshness but not necessarily with a negative intent.

  • The severity of the winter weather caught everyone off guard
  • His severity in grading makes students work harder

Examples of usage

  • The hardness of his words hurt her feelings.
  • The hardness of the punishment was unexpected.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Hardness in geology refers to a material's resistance to being scratched, often measured using the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals from talc (softest) to diamond (hardest).
  • In materials science, hardness is critical because it affects how materials are used in construction, manufacturing, and technology.
  • The hardness of water is determined by the presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium, impacting plumbing and health.

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, 'hardness' can refer to emotional resilience, indicating how well a person can cope with stress and adversity.
  • Studies show that individuals perceived as 'hard' or tough may be less approachable, influencing social interactions.
  • The concept of 'hardheartedness' denotes a lack of empathy in individuals, tying emotional hardness to social relationships.

Literature

  • In poetry and prose, 'hardness' often symbolizes unyielding obstacles, representing both physical barriers and emotional resilience.
  • Many classic characters are described with 'hard' traits, such as stoicism or determination, which drive their narratives and conflicts.
  • Literary works frequently contrast softness and hardness to explore themes of vulnerability versus strength.

Pop Culture

  • In popular music, several songs explore themes of emotional 'hardness', expressing feelings of toughness after heartbreak.
  • Action movies often feature 'hard' characters as heroes, embodying strength and resilience in overcoming challenges.
  • Games often portray hardness in character attributes or weapons, where harder materials are more effective in battles or tasks.

Origin of 'hardness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hardness' comes from the Old English ' heard', meaning tough or solid.
  • In many languages, the roots for 'hard' derive from the idea of strength or resistance.
  • The suffix '-ness' indicates a quality or state, turning the adjective 'hard' into a noun indicating the quality of being tough.

The word 'hardness' has its origins in Middle English, from the word 'hard', which can be traced back to Old English 'heard'. The concept of hardness has been a fundamental aspect of human understanding since ancient times, particularly in the study of materials and physical properties. Throughout history, hardness has been a key factor in various fields such as geology, metallurgy, and engineering.

See also: hard, hardball, harden, hardening, harder, hardliner, hardly, hardship, hardships, hardware, hardy.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,187 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.