Hard — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Hard
Hard (adjective)
- not easily penetrated, not easily yielding to pressure
- not capable of being spread, very firm
- having a bitter or acidic taste
Hard (adverb)
- with great or utmost effort or energy, strenuously
- in a forceful manner, fiercely
- to the full extent —usually used in nautical directions
Hard (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
"clearing land is hard work"
"a hard exam to pass"
-
having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings
"a hard man, who never had a kind word for anyone"
-
able to withstand hardship, strain, or exposure
"they were forced to import sheep of a harder stock, one that could thrive in the harsh climate"
-
based on sound reasoning or information
"do you have any hard evidence that this was once the site of a Native American village?"
-
difficult to endure
"the hard life of a migrant farm worker"
-
extreme in degree, power, or effect
"a carpet that withstood years of hard wear"
-
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
"a hard disciplinarian who is quick to punish the tiniest violation of the rules"
-
having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure
"hard candies"
"fell on the hard floor and bruised her arm"
-
having been established and usually not subject to change
"there isn't always a hard line between right and wrong"
-
having or showing deep-seated resentment
"maintained hard feelings toward those who had cheated him"
-
sticking to an opinion, purpose, or course of action in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
"a woman with a hard will who never budged from her chosen path"
-
restricted to or based on fact
"that newscast is strictly devoted to hard news, as the producers prefer to leave the gossip to others"
Hard (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
with great effort or determination
"we took a much-needed break after working hard all week"
"a hard-won victory"
-
with feelings of bitterness or grief
"took the news of their grandfather's death hard"
-
in a vigorous and forceful manner
"hit the ball hard, causing it to soar out of bounds"
"the wind blew hard all day"
-
at, within, or to a short distance or time
"the groom stood hard by, ready to help, as the lady mounted the skittish horse"
-
in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering
"the dog had been treated hard by his previous owner"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Hard
The most common words with a similar meaning to Hard:
Antonyms & Opposite Words for Hard
Words with the opposite meaning of Hard:
Near Antonyms of Hard
Word Forms of Hard
Origin & Etymology of Hard
Middle English, from Old English heard; akin to Old High German hart hard, Greek kratos strength
First known use: before 12th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Hard
- CEFR level: A1 English Vocabulary — Page 8
- Topics: Descriptions / Adjectives
Words & Phrases Containing Hard
Frequently Asked Questions about Hard
What does "Hard" mean?
"Hard" means not easily penetrated, not easily yielding to pressure. As an an adjective and an adverb, it is defined as: not easily penetrated, not easily yielding to pressure. It has 17 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Hard"?
Other words for "Hard" include arduous, Augean, backbreaking, challenging, demanding, difficult, effortful and exacting. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Hard" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Hard"?
There are 673 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Hard". Common alternatives include arduous, Augean, backbreaking, challenging, demanding, difficult, effortful, exacting, formidable and grueling.
What is the opposite of "Hard"?
Antonyms of "Hard" include cheap, easy, effortless, facile, light, mindless, simple and soft. Near antonyms include achievable, clear, doable and elementary.
How do you use "Hard" in a sentence?
Examples of "Hard" in a sentence: "clearing land is hard work"; "a hard exam to pass"; "a hard man, who never had a kind word for anyone".
Is "Hard" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Hard" can be used as an adjective and an adverb, depending on the context.
Is "Hard" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As an A1-level word, "Hard" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.
How do you pronounce "Hard"?
"Hard" is pronounced /ˈhärd/.