Tough Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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tough
[tʌf ]
Definitions
strong
Capable of great physical or mental strength.
Synonyms
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.
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| strong |
Use when describing someone or something with great physical power, mental strength, or intensity.
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| resilient |
Use when describing someone or something that can quickly recover from setbacks or difficulties, highlighting the ability to bounce back.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- He is a tough guy who never gives up.
- She has a tough attitude towards challenges.
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.
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| challenging |
Used to describe situations that are difficult but stimulating, often implying that the difficulty can be motivating or rewarding.
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| demanding |
Used to describe something that requires a lot of time, attention, or effort, often stressing the high expectations or requirements involved.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- It was a tough decision to make.
- The exam was really tough.
informal
A tough person, especially a criminal.
Synonyms
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.
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| criminal |
This word refers to someone who has committed a crime. It is used in legal or formal contexts and has a negative connotation.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- He was known as a tough in the neighborhood.
- The toughs were causing trouble in the bar.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'tough'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'tough' originated from Old English 'tōh', meaning strong, firm, solid. Over time, it evolved to its current usage to describe something strong or difficult. The word has been used in various contexts to indicate physical strength, mental resilience, and challenging situations.
See also: toughen, toughening, tougher, toughness.