Definition of hard
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: not easily penetrated : not easily yielding to pressure
hard surfaces an uncomfortably hard chair
b
of cheese
: not capable of being spread : very firm
2a
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
3a
: 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
4a
: 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 unlikely to change
hard prices
5a
: firmly and closely twisted
hard yarns
b
of fabrics
: having a smooth close napless finish
a hard worsted
6a
: physically fit
in good hard condition
b
: resistant to stress or disease : hardy
a hard plant
c
: free of weakness : unyielding
a man of hard unbending will
(2)
: not speculative or conjectural : factual
hard evidence
(3)
: important or informative rather than sensational or entertaining
hard news
(4)
: expressed in a clear and decisive way : leaving no doubt
Offers to install an electric door opener at her own expense were met with a hard no from the garage landlords, whose old-fashioned sensibilities dictated that their tenants use multiple manual locks to secure the space.— Ronnie Koenig The editor [Gene Policinski] said he told Ashe that "USA Today does not print unconfirmed stories from unattributed sources, but in the absence of a hard denial, or confirmation, the information seemed credible and we would continue to pursue the story."— William C. Rhoden
— see also hard pass
c
: free from sentimentality or illusion : realistic
good hard sense
d
: unlikely to respond in a kind or sympathetic way : unfeeling
a hard heart
8a(1)
: difficult to bear or endure
hard luck hard times
(2)
: oppressive, inequitable
sales taxes are hard on the poor a hard restriction
c(1)
: harsh, severe, or offensive in tendency or effect
said some hard things
(2)
: marked by resentment
hard feelings
(3)
: strict, unrelenting
drives a hard bargain
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
9a
: characterized by sharp or harsh outline, rigid execution, and stiff drawing
hard forms
b
: sharply defined : stark
hard shadows
c
: lacking in shading, delicacy, or resonance
hard singing tones
d
: sounding as in candy and geese respectively
—used of c and g the word arc is pronounced with a hard c
e
: suggestive of toughness or insensitivity
hard eyes
10a(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
hard
adverbDefinition of hard (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: with great or utmost effort or energy : strenuously
were hard at work
b
: in a violent manner : fiercely
hit the ball hard The wind was blowing hard.
c
: to the full extent
—usually used in nautical directions steer hard aport
d
: to an immoderate degree
been drinking hard lately
e
: in a searching, close, or concentrated manner
stared hard at me
2a
: in such a manner as to cause hardship, difficulty, or pain
The economic downturn has hit the poor especially hard.
b
: with rancor, bitterness, or grief
took the defeat hard
3
: in a firm manner : tightly
hold on hard
4
: to the point of hardness
frozen hard
5
: close in time or space
stands hard by the river
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Time Traveler for hard
The first known use of hard was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century