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Tougher Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ช
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tougher

[หˆtสŒfษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in a competition or challenge

Demonstrating a greater level of difficulty or resistance compared to others. Often used to describe a more demanding task or opponent.

Synonyms

harder, more challenging, stiffer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tougher

Repeated: See the first entry for 'tougher'.
more challenging

Appropriate when something is demanding in terms of intelligence, skill, or abilities, often carrying a sense of personal growth or improvement.

  • This new project at work is more challenging but also more rewarding
  • Learning a new language can be more challenging than you might think
harder

Used when something requires more effort, energy, or skill. Often describes tasks or activities.

  • This math problem is harder than the last one
  • Training for the marathon is getting harder each week
stiffer

Refers to something that is more rigid or difficult to manipulate, can be used figuratively to mean strict or uncompromising.

  • The new regulations are much stiffer
  • She felt stiffer after her long run

Examples of usage

  • The final round of the tournament will be much tougher than the earlier matches.
  • She is known for her tougher training regimen, pushing her athletes to their limits.
  • The new regulations will make it tougher for small businesses to compete in the market.
Context #2 | Adjective

in character or behavior

Showing a more resilient, determined, or uncompromising attitude compared to others. Often used to describe a person's approach to difficult situations.

Synonyms

determined, resilient, uncompromising.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tougher

Typically used when comparing the strength or difficulty level of tasks, situations, or materials.

  • This week's workout was tougher than last week's.
  • The new material is tougher and can withstand more pressure.
resilient

Refers to someone or something that can recover quickly from difficult conditions or situations.

  • Children can be very resilient to changes.
  • The resilient fabric can return to its original shape after being stretched.
determined

Describes a person who has made a firm decision and is not willing to change it, showing strong willpower to achieve something.

  • She was determined to complete the marathon despite the pain.
  • He is determined to get a promotion this year.
uncompromising

Used to describe someone who is unwilling to change their opinions or behavior, often seen as a negative trait in certain contexts due to its inflexibility.

  • Her uncompromising stance on the issue made negotiations difficult.
  • He is known for his uncompromising attitude in business.

Examples of usage

  • Despite facing setbacks, she remained tough and resilient.
  • The coach praised the player for her tougher mentality on the field.
  • He had a tougher demeanor than his colleagues, never backing down from a challenge.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that people who perceive themselves as tougher often have higher resilience in stressful situations.
  • The 'toughness mindset' can encourage individuals to face challenges head-on instead of avoiding them.
  • Studies indicate that developing mental toughness can lead to greater success in sports and academics.

Education

  • Curricula increasingly emphasize the importance of resilience, likening mental toughness to achieving academic success.
  • Programs that teach coping strategies help students become tougher in dealing with failures and challenges.
  • Tougher teaching methods, like problem-based learning, encourage students to tackle difficult subjects rather than shy away from them.

Pop Culture

  • Famous movie characters like Rocky Balboa or Katniss Everdeen represent toughness, inspiring many through their struggles.
  • Songs often highlight toughness as a virtue, conveying messages of perseverance through hardships.
  • Reality TV shows frequently showcase contestants who must prove they are tougher than their rivals.

Nature

  • Many animals have adapted to tough environments, showcasing their survival skills, like camels in deserts or polar bears in Arctic conditions.
  • Plants like cacti are considered tough because they thrive in harsh climates and can survive with very little water.
  • The concept of toughness in nature reflects in organismsโ€™ resilience against predators or harsh environmental changes.

Origin of 'tougher'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tough' comes from Middle English 'tough', meaning strong or difficult to break, and can be traced back to Old Norse 'ruggr', meaning rough.
  • The comparative form 'tougher' indicates a higher degree of toughness, often used to compare two things.
  • English has been borrowing words for toughness concepts from various languages, showing how important strength has been across cultures.

The word 'tougher' originates from the Old English word 'tลh', meaning strong or firm. It has evolved over time to encompass a variety of meanings related to strength, resilience, and difficulty. The modern usage of 'tougher' reflects its enduring association with challenges and obstacles, highlighting the importance of strength and determination in overcoming adversity.

See also: tough, toughen, toughening, toughness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,001, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.