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
How is the word hard different from other adjectives like it?
The words arduous and difficult are common synonyms of hard. While all three words mean "demanding great exertion or effort," hard implies the opposite of all that is easy.
farming is hard work
In what contexts can arduous take the place of hard?
In some situations, the words arduous and hard are roughly equivalent. However, arduous stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion.
the arduous task of rebuilding
When would difficult be a good substitute for hard?
The words difficult and hard can be used in similar contexts, but 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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hard
Adjective
But unlike climate change, turning it around doesn’t have to be that hard, and the benefits will be felt immediately.—WIRED, 13 Feb. 2023 That die-hard fan base in Phoenix got a taste of glory in 2021 when the Suns were up two games to none in the Finals on the Milwaukee Bucks before dropping the next four and ultimately losing the championship series.—Max Olsan, The Arizona Republic, 13 Feb. 2023
Adverb
Breathe in slightly and press your tongue hard against your palate.—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 19 June 2025 But do not make life harder for the people who depend on these batteries every day.—Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hard
This moderately difficult, half-mile trail through the Mission Hills Open Space, is located across from Pioneer Park.
—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
23 June 2025
Attorney Nicole Blank Becker, who represents R. Kelly, told Fox News Digital that jurors, just like anyone else, have a difficult time separating emotions from charges.
—
Tracy Wright , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
23 June 2025
The tune, a collaboration with Bruno Mars — whose presence surely helped the cut not only become a high-rising win but also a sturdy one — has now spent 34 weeks on the competitive tally.
—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2025
For your safety, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building.
—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
17 June 2025
Recent verdicts have far exceeded historical benchmarks, and without reasonable limits, runaway jury awards threaten the city’s ability to fund essential services.
—
Paul Vallas,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
Conrad is a 6-3 defenseman who can skate and has shown reasonable offense in the Q.
Healthy people can still experience short-term symptoms like fever, intense headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
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Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
12 June 2025
Stark images of burning vehicles, rioters spraying painting cars with expletives and the intense back and forth between President Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom over how local law enforcement is handling the problems have been among the topics of conversation.
At JPMorgan, an internal culture study found that fewer employees feel like their health and well-being are a corporate priority, likely triggered by the bank’s strict five-day in-office policy.
—
Maria Gracia Santillana Linares,
Forbes.com,
17 June 2025
In the old days, stars — especially female stars — were put on strict diets, their names often changed, and they were usually given voice lessons to learn that classic Transatlantic diction.
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