Definition of Hard (meaning 1 of 3 — adjective)
Quick Meaning of Hard
Something that is not soft and is difficult to break or change shape.
Detailed Definition of Hard
Solid, firm, or not easy to break or bend; having a rigid surface.
How to Pronounce Hard
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: The vowel sound is the 'oo' in 'car' but with the mouth more open; the 'd' at the end is clearly pronounced.
Watch out: Some learners confuse it with 'heard' (past tense of hear), or shorten the vowel sound.
Other Meanings of Hard
“Hard” has 3 distinct meanings in English. You’re viewing meaning #1; here are the other 2:
#2 Hard as an adverb
In a way that uses a lot of energy or force; with determination and effort.
work hard
#3 Hard as an adjective
Something that takes a lot of time, effort, or mental work to accomplish.
hard work
Origin and Etymology of Hard
From Old English 'heard', related to German 'hart'; originally meant bold or strong.
How to Use Hard in a Sentence
Each example shows “hard” in the meaning “Something that is not soft and is difficult…”, with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The stone is very hard and will not break easily.”
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“After baking, the bread had a hard crust on the outside.”
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“Diamond is one of the hardest materials found in nature.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Hard
Common Synonyms for Hard
Smart Synonyms for Hard — When to Use Each
- solid
- when describing materials that have no gaps or
- rigid
- when emphasizing that something cannot bend or flex
Antonyms of Hard
Common Collocations with Hard
These phrases pair with “hard” in everyday English:
- hard surface
- hard material
- hard ground
Common Mistakes When Using Hard
Even fluent speakers slip up with “hard”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The rock is very hardly.
- ✓ Correct: The rock is very hard.
- Why: Use 'hard' (adjective) after 'be'; 'hardly' is an adverb meaning almost never.
- ✗ Wrong: He walked on the hardly ground.
- ✓ Correct: He walked on the hard ground.
- Why: 'Hard' is the adjective; 'hardly' means scarcely or almost never, not the quality of the ground.
Other Forms of Hard
Frequently Asked Questions About Hard
What is the meaning of "Hard"?
Something that is not soft and is difficult to break or change shape.
How do you pronounce "Hard"?
The IPA is /hɑːrd/. The vowel sound is the 'oo' in 'car' but with the mouth more open; the 'd' at the end is clearly pronounced.
What part of speech is "Hard"?
"Hard" is an adjective at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Hard"?
Common synonyms include solid, firm, rigid.
How do you use "Hard" in a sentence?
For example: "The stone is very hard and will not break easily."