Main Entry: ¹hard

Pronunciation: \ˈhärd\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English heard; akin to Old High German hart hard, Greek kratos strength

Date: before 12th century

1 a : not easily penetrated : not easily yielding to pressure b of cheese : not capable of being spread : very firm
2 a of liquor (1) : having a harsh or acid taste (2) : strongly alcoholic b : characterized by the presence of salts (as of calcium or magnesium) that prevent lathering with soap <hard water>
3 a : of or relating to radiation of relatively high penetrating power : having high energy <hard X rays> b : having or producing relatively great photographic contrast <a hard negative>
4 a : metallic as distinct from paper <hard money> b of currency : convertible into gold : stable in value c : usable as currency <paid in hard cash> d of currency : readily acceptable in international trade e : being high and firm <hard prices>
5 a : firmly and closely twisted <hard yarns> b : having a smooth close napless finish <a hard worsted>
6 a : physically fit <in good hard condition> b : resistant to stress or disease c : free of weakness or defects
7 a (1) : firm, definite <reached a hard agreement> (2) : not speculative or conjectural : factual <hard evidence> (3) : important or informative rather than sensational or entertaining <hard news> b : close, searching <gave a hard look> c : free from sentimentality or illusion : realistic <good hard sense> d : lacking in responsiveness : obdurate, unfeeling <a hard heart>
8 a (1) : difficult to bear or endure <hard luck> <hard times> (2) : oppressive, inequitable <sales taxes are hard on the poor> <a hard restriction> b (1) : lacking consideration, compassion, or gentleness : callous <a hard greedy landlord> (2) : incorrigible, tough <a hard gang> c (1) : harsh, severe, or offensive in tendency or effect <said some hard things> (2) : resentful <hard feelings> (3) : strict, unrelenting <drives a hard bargain> d : inclement <hard winter> e (1) : intense in force, manner, or degree <hard blows> (2) : demanding the exertion of energy : calling for stamina and endurance <hard work> (3) : performing or carrying on with great energy, intensity, or persistence <a hard worker> f : most unyielding or thoroughgoing <the hard political right>
9 a : characterized by sharp or harsh outline, rigid execution, and stiff drawing b : sharply defined : stark <hard shadows> c : lacking in shading, delicacy, or resonance <hard singing tones> d : sounding as in arcing and geese respectively —used of c and g e : suggestive of toughness or insensitivity <hard eyes>
10 a (1) : difficult to accomplish or resolve : troublesome <hard problems> <the true story was hard to come by> (2) : difficult to comprehend or explain <a hard concept> b : having difficulty in doing something <hard of hearing> c : difficult to magnetize or demagnetize
11 : being at once addictive and gravely detrimental to health <such hard drugs as heroin>
12 : resistant to biodegradation <hard detergents> <hard pesticides such as DDT>
13 : being, schooled in, or using the methods of the natural sciences and especially of the physical sciences <a hard scientist>
14 of money : contributed (as by individuals or political action committees) directly to a particular candidate or campaign

synonyms hard, difficult, arduous mean demanding great exertion or effort. hard implies the opposite of all that is easy <farming is hard work>. difficult implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill or courage <the difficult ascent of the mountain>. arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion <the arduous task of rebuilding>.