1
as in ruthless
having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings
a hard man, who never had a kind word for anyone
2
as in difficult
requiring considerable physical or mental effort
clearing land is hard work a hard exam to pass
3
as in sturdy
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
4
as in reasonable
based on sound reasoning or information
do you have any hard evidence that this was once the site of a Native American village?
5
as in tough
difficult to endure
the hard life of a migrant farm worker
6
as in intense
extreme in degree, power, or effect
a carpet that withstood years of hard wear
7
as in strict
given to exacting standards of discipline and self-restraint
a hard disciplinarian who is quick to punish the tiniest violation of the rules
8
as in solid
having a consistency that does not easily yield to pressure
hard candies fell on the hard floor and bruised her arm
9
as in stable
having been established and usually not subject to change
there isn't always a hard line between right and wrong
10
as in sore
having or showing deep-seated resentment
maintained hard feelings toward those who had cheated him
11
as in stubborn
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
12
as in historical
restricted to or based on fact
that newscast is strictly devoted to hard news, as the producers prefer to leave the gossip to others
1
as in intensively
with great effort or determination
we took a much-needed break after working hard all week a hard-won victory
2
as in bitterly
with feelings of bitterness or grief
took the news of their grandfather's death hard
3
as in strongly
in a vigorous and forceful manner
hit the ball hard, causing it to soar out of bounds the wind blew hard all day
4
as in close
at, within, or to a short distance or time
the groom stood hard by, ready to help, as the lady mounted the skittish horse
5
as in harshly
in a manner so as to cause loss or suffering
the dog had been treated hard by his previous owner
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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