adj.
Pronunciation: ' härd
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English heard; akin to Old High German hart hard, Greek kratos strength
Date: before 12th century
1 a : not easily penetrated : not easily yielding to pressure b of cheese : not capable of being spread : very firm
2 a 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>
3 a : 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>
4 a : 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 firm < hard prices>
5 a : firmly and closely twisted < hard yarns> b : having a smooth close napless finish <a hard worsted>
6 a : physically fit <in good hard condition> b : resistant to stress or disease c : free of weakness or defects
7 a (1) : FIRM , DEFINITE <reached a hard agreement> (2) : not speculative or conjectural : FACTUAL < hard evidence> (3) : important or informative rather than sensational or entertaining < hard news> b : CLOSE , SEARCHING <gave a hard look> c : free from sentimentality or illusion : REALISTIC <good hard sense> d : lacking in responsiveness : OBDURATE , UNFEELING <a hard heart>
8 a (1) : difficult to bear or endure < hard luck> < hard times> (2) : OPPRESSIVE , INEQUITABLE <sales taxes are hard on the poor> <a hard restriction> b (1) : lacking consideration, compassion, or gentleness : CALLOUS <a hard greedy landlord> (2) : INCORRIGIBLE , TOUGH <a hard gang> c (1) : harsh, severe, or offensive in tendency or effect <said some hard things> (2) : RESENTFUL < hard feelings> (3) : STRICT , UNRELENTING <drives a hard bargain> d : INCLEMENT < hard winter> 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>
9 a : characterized by sharp or harsh outline, rigid execution, and stiff drawing b : sharply defined : STARK < hard shadows> c : lacking in shading, delicacy, or resonance < hard singing tones> d : sounding as in arcing and geese respectively ― used of c and g e : suggestive of toughness or insensitivity < hard eyes>
10 a (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
synonyms HARD , DIFFICULT , ARDUOUS mean demanding great exertion or effort. HARD implies the opposite of all that is easy <farming is hard work>. DIFFICULT implies the presence of obstacles to be surmounted or puzzles to be resolved and suggests the need of skill, patience, or courage <the difficult ascent of the main face of the mountain>. ARDUOUS stresses the need of laborious and persevering exertion <the arduous task of rebuilding>.