hard

hard ► ADJECTIVE 1) solid, firm, and rigid; not easily broken, bent, or pierced. 2) requiring or demonstrating a great deal of endurance or effort; difficult. 3) (of a person) not showing any signs of weakness; tough. 4) (of information or a subject of study) concerned with precise and verifiable facts. 5) harsh or unpleasant to the senses. 6) done with a great deal of force or strength. 7) (of liquor) strongly alcoholic. 8) (of a drug) potent and addictive. 9) (of pornography) highly obscene and explicit. 10) denoting an extreme faction within a political party. 11) (of water) containing mineral salts.

► ADVERB 1) with a great deal of effort or force. 2) so as to be solid or firm. 3) to the fullest extent possible.

● be hard put (to it) — Cf. ↑be hard put to it

● hard and fast — Cf. ↑hard and fast

● hard at it — Cf. ↑hard at it

● hard done by — Cf. ↑hard done by

● hard feelings — Cf. ↑hard feelings

● hard going — Cf. ↑hard going

● hard luck (or lines) — Cf. ↑hard luck

● hard of hearing — Cf. ↑hard of hearing

● hard on (or upon) — Cf. ↑hard upon

● hard up — Cf. ↑hard up

● play hard to get — Cf. ↑play hard to get

● put the hard word on — Cf. ↑put the hard word on

DERIVATIVES hardish adjective hardness noun.

ORIGIN Old English.