SINCE 1828

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hard-core

play

adjective \ ˈhärd-ˈkȯr \

Definition of hard-core

1 a :of, relating to, or being part of a hard core

hard-core poverty

the hard-core unemployed

b :confirmed, die-hard

hard-core rock fans

a hard-core liberal

2 of pornography :containing explicit descriptions of sex acts or scenes of actual sex acts — compare soft-core

3 :characterized by or being the purest or most basic form of something :fundamental

a room gussied up in hard-core French provincial style
—John Canaday

See hard-core defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of hard-core

1934

hard-core Synonyms

Synonyms

bred-in-the-bone, confirmed, deep, deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched (also intrenched), hard-core, rooted, settled

Related Words

firm, fixed, frozen, hard, hard-and-fast, immutable, irradicable, set, unalterable, unchangeable; embedded (also imbedded), implanted, inculcated, instilled; inborn, inbred, ingrained (also engrained), inherent, innate, integral, intrinsic, natural; accustomed, chronic, customary, habitual, regular, typical, usual; abiding, enduring, lifelong, persistent, persisting

Near Antonyms

brief, ephemeral, fleeting, impermanent, interim, momentary, provisional, short-lived, short-term, temporary, transient

hard core

noun

Definition of hard core

1 :a central or fundamental and usually enduring group or part: such as

a :a relatively small enduring core of society marked by apparent resistance to change or inability to escape a persistent wretched condition (such as poverty or chronic unemployment)

b :a militant or fiercely loyal faction

2 usually hardcore play \ˈhärd-ˌkȯr\ , chiefly British :hard material in pieces (such as broken bricks or stone) used as a bottom (as in making roads and in foundations)

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See hard core defined for kids

Examples of hard core in a Sentence

He knows that he can count on the support of a hard core of party loyalists.

First Known Use of hard core

1841

HARD-CORE Defined for English Language Learners

hard-core

play

adjective

Definition of hard-core for English Language Learners

: very active and enthusiastic
: showing or describing sex acts very openly

hard core

noun

Definition of hard core for English Language Learners

: a small number of very active and enthusiastic members of a group : the most devoted and active members of a group

Learn More about hard-core

See words that rhyme with hard-core Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hard-core

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BROWSE DICTIONARY

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hard copy

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hard core

hard court

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Examples: hard-core in a Sentence