Tough

Definition

Tough is an adjective meaning strong, durable, or able to endure difficulty. It can also refer to something challenging or requiring effort. As a noun, it can describe a rough or aggressive person. As a verb (rare), it means to endure or persist through difficulties.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tʌf/
• Respelling: TUHF

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tʌf/
• Respelling: TUHF

Etymology

The word "tough" originates from Old English "tōh," meaning "strong, firm, tenacious." It is derived from Proto-Germanic "*tanhu-" and Proto-Indo-European "*denk-" or "*tenk-," meaning "to stretch or pull."

Derivatives

• Toughen (verb)
• Toughness (noun)
• Toughly (adverb)
• Tough-minded (adjective)
• Rough-and-tough (adjective)

Synonyms

• Strong
• Resilient
• Durable

Antonyms

• Weak
• Fragile
• Delicate

Usage

The adjective "tough" is used to describe physical or emotional strength, as in "The fabric is very tough," or difficulty, as in "That exam was tough." As a noun, it refers to a rough or combative person: "The gang was led by a known tough." As a verb, it means to endure hardships: "You’ll have to tough it out."

Related Terms

• Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
• Hardiness: The quality of being robust and able to withstand harsh conditions.
• Tenacity: The quality of being determined and persistent.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Strong or durable: Refers to the ability to withstand wear, pressure, or damage.
  • Example: "The tough leather boots lasted for years."
• Challenging or difficult: Describes tasks or situations requiring effort or resilience.
  • Example: "This is a tough decision to make."
• Emotionally or physically resilient: Refers to the ability to endure hardship or adversity.
  • Example: "She’s a tough competitor who never gives up."

Noun

• A rough or aggressive person: Refers to an individual known for their toughness or combative nature.
  • Example: "The town was notorious for its gang of toughs."

Verb

• To endure or persist through difficulty (rare): Describes the act of facing challenges with determination.
  • Example: "He had to tough out the last few miles of the marathon."