Hard
/hɑːrd/
Definitions
4 meaningsRequiring considerable physical or mental effort; not easy; difficult.
/hɑːrd/
Difficult to do or understand.
The test was too hard.
💡 Simply: Imagine trying to lift a heavy box – that's *hard*! It takes a lot of strength and energy, like solving a difficult math problem.
👶 For kids: If something is *hard*, it's not easy to do. Like when you try to build a tower with blocks and it keeps falling down.
More Examples
It is hard to get a reservation at that restaurant.
Building a house is hard work.
How It's Used
"The exam was very hard."
"It's hard to believe."
Solid and firm; not easily broken, cut, or pierced.
/hɑːrd/
Firm and solid; not easily broken or cut.
The ground was hard.
💡 Simply: If you can't bend something easily, like a rock or a piece of metal, it's *hard*! It's strong and doesn't give way easily.
👶 For kids: If something is *hard*, it's not soft. Like a rock, it's strong and you can't squish it!
More Examples
I like hard cheese.
The metal is very hard.
How It's Used
"The floor is made of hard wood."
"Hard candy."
With great effort, force, or intensity.
/hɑːrd/
With great effort or intensity.
She works hard every day.
💡 Simply: If you're trying really, really hard to do something, like study for a test or win a race, you're working *hard*! It means you're giving it your best.
👶 For kids: If you try *hard* at something, you really try your best! Like when you try to draw a nice picture.
More Examples
He tried hard to succeed.
The wind blew hard.
How It's Used
"He runs hard every morning."
"Working hard."
Close to; near.
/hɑːrd/
The cottage is hard by the lake.
💡 Simply: Being 'hard by' means something is very close, right next to it.
👶 For kids: If something is *hard* by, it's super close!
More Examples
The ship was hard aground.
I'm hard upon your heels.
How It's Used
"The town is hard by the river."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
hard and fast
Firm and unchangeable; not to be violated or disregarded.
"There are no hard and fast rules about this."
hard up
Experiencing financial difficulties; short of money.
"I'm a little hard up for cash this month."
play hardball
To be aggressive and ruthless in negotiations or competition.
"In business, you sometimes have to play hardball to get ahead."
hard feelings
resentment, ill will.
"I hope there are no hard feelings about what happened."
From Old English *heard* (strong, firm, difficult), from Proto-Germanic *harduz* (hard, harsh). Related to Dutch *hard*, German *hart*, and Swedish *hård*.
The word 'hard' has existed in the English language for a very long time, dating back to Old English. Its meaning has remained relatively consistent across centuries, but it has added nuances and expanded usages over time.
Memory tip
Think of a *hard* puzzle: it takes a lot of effort to solve!
Word Origin
"harsh, difficult, strong"