Hardness
'hɑːrdnəs
Definitions
2 meaningsThe degree of firmness or resistance to pressure, indentation, or scratching.
'hɑːrdnəs
The quality or state of being hard.
The hardness of the steel makes it suitable for building strong bridges.
💡 Simply: It's how tough something is! Like, imagine squeezing a rock vs. squeezing a sponge. The rock's hardness means it won't change shape easily.
👶 For kids: How strong something is and if it's easy or hard to squish or break.
More Examples
We tested the hardness of the material to determine its durability.
The hardness of the ground made it difficult to dig.
How It's Used
"The hardness of a diamond makes it ideal for cutting tools."
"The hardness of the floor made the child's fall more painful."
Unfeeling or unsympathetic mental state.
'hɑːrdnəs
Emotional or psychological toughness.
The hardships of war often led to a hardness of heart in the soldiers.
💡 Simply: It's like when someone becomes emotionally 'tough' or 'cold' because of bad experiences. They might not show much feeling.
👶 For kids: When someone seems like they don't feel sad or happy.
More Examples
She developed a certain hardness towards injustice after witnessing so much suffering.
The hardness of the character's personality made him difficult to connect with.
How It's Used
"The trauma caused a hardness in her heart, making it difficult to trust others."
"The hardness of his exterior masked a deep vulnerability."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English *hardnesse*, from Old English *heardnes* (strength, firmness), from *heard* (hard) + *-ness* (suffix forming nouns).
The word has been used since Old English times, originally describing physical firmness and, later, emotional insensitivity.
Memory tip
Think of a hard object: its hardness is how difficult it is to change its shape or break it.
Word Origin
"strength, firmness"