Tough: meaning, definitions and examples

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tough

[tʌf ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

strong

Capable of great physical or mental strength.

Synonyms

hardy, resilient, strong.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tough	Use when referring to someone or something that can endure difficult situations or physical stress. This word can also imply a stern or strict attitude. She's a tough negotiator. The meat was too tough to chew.
strong	Use when describing someone or something with great physical power, mental strength, or intensity. He is strong enough to lift those heavy boxes. She has a strong will.
resilient	Use when describing someone or something that can quickly recover from setbacks or difficulties, highlighting the ability to bounce back. Children are often resilient and adapt well to change. The economy proved to be resilient after the crisis.
hardy	Use when referring to someone or something that is robust and capable of surviving difficult conditions, often used in the context of plants or animals. These hardy plants can survive the winter. He's a hardy athlete.

Examples of usage

He is a tough guy who never gives up.
She has a tough attitude towards challenges.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

difficult

Difficult to deal with, manage, or overcome.

Synonyms

arduous, challenging, demanding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tough	Used to describe something that is hard to deal with, either physically or emotionally, but can also imply resilience. The exam was tough, but I managed to pass He's had a tough year, but he keeps going
challenging	Used to describe situations that are difficult but stimulating, often implying that the difficulty can be motivating or rewarding. Learning a new language is challenging but fun She accepted the challenging task with enthusiasm
demanding	Used to describe something that requires a lot of time, attention, or effort, often stressing the high expectations or requirements involved. His job is very demanding, often requiring him to work late hours The teacher set a demanding coursework
arduous	Used to describe tasks or journeys that are extremely difficult and require a lot of effort over a long period of time. It conveys a sense of exhaustion. The hikers faced an arduous climb up the mountain Completing the project was an arduous process

Examples of usage

It was a tough decision to make.
The exam was really tough.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

informal

A tough person, especially a criminal.

Synonyms

criminal, ruffian, thug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tough	This word can describe someone who is strong, brave, and able to deal with difficult situations. It is often used in a positive context. It can also refer to situations or tasks that are difficult. She is a tough negotiator and always gets the best deals. Running a marathon is a tough challenge.
criminal	This word refers to someone who has committed a crime. It is used in legal or formal contexts and has a negative connotation. The criminal was arrested for theft. He has a criminal record.
thug	Thug refers to a violent person, especially a criminal or a gangster. It is often used in a negative way to describe someone involved in violence and crime. The area is notorious for its gangs of thugs. He was beaten up by a thug on his way home.
ruffian	This word describes a noisy and violent person, often involved in unlawful acts. It is usually used to describe someone in a literary or old-fashioned way and carries a negative connotation. The ruffians were causing trouble in the town square. He was attacked by a group of ruffians.

Examples of usage

He was known as a tough in the neighborhood.
The toughs were causing trouble in the bar.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English term 'toh', which meant strong or hardy.
It is related to the Middle Dutch word 'toch', which also referred to toughness or strength.
There's a connection to the Old Norse word 'tøgr', meaning firm or strong, showcasing its historical roots in North European languages.

Psychology

Resilience, often described as being tough, is a vital trait that helps individuals cope with stress and adversity.
Studies show that having a tough mindset can improve performance in challenging situations, helping people face their fears.
Toughness can also be linked to emotional intelligence, as understanding and managing one's emotions can foster resilience.

Pop Culture

Tough characters are often heroes in movies and books, showcasing strength in overcoming great obstacles, like Rocky Balboa.
The phrase 'tough love' has become popular, emphasizing the idea that sometimes showing strictness is a way of showing care.
In music, many genres celebrate toughness, especially in rock and hip-hop, highlighting themes of enduring struggles.

Science

In materials science, toughness describes a material's ability to absorb energy and deform without breaking, crucial for safety in structures.
Researchers study toughness in biology, like how certain organisms adapt to extreme environments, showing that toughness can mean survival.
The concept of toughness is also applied in sports science, where being physically tough involves both strength and endurance.

Literature

Many literary figures are labeled as tough, often representing the archetype of the 'stoic hero' who endures hardship.
In poetry, toughness can symbolize resilience, where strong imagery evokes emotions of power and struggle.
Classic novels often depict characters with tough exteriors hiding vulnerable feelings, portraying the complexity of human nature.

Translations

Translations of the word "tough" in other languages:

🇵🇹 difícil

🇮🇳 कठिन

🇩🇪 schwierig

🇮🇩 sulit

🇺🇦 важкий

🇵🇱 trudny

🇯🇵 難しい (むずかしい)

🇫🇷 difficile

🇪🇸 difícil

🇹🇷 zor

🇰🇷 어려운 (eoryeoun)

🇸🇦 صعب

🇨🇿 těžký

🇸🇰 ťažký

🇨🇳 困难 (kùnnán)

🇸🇮 težak

🇮🇸 erfiður

🇰🇿 қиын

🇬🇪 რთული

🇦🇿 çətin

🇲🇽 difícil

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,985, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4982 earnest
4983 shells
4984 appreciated
4985 tough
4986 wholesale
4987 steep
4988 emperor
...