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tough

tough [ tuf ]


adjective  (comparative tough·er, superlative tough·est)
Definition:
 
1. difficult: physically or mentally challenging
That's a tough question.
It's a tough climb to the peak.

2. very strong: physically or mentally strong and possessing great endurance
Is he tough enough to make the climb?

3. resolute: having or showing firm resolve
She's a tough person to negotiate with.

4. durable: able to withstand much use, strain, or wear without breaking, tearing, or other damage
boots made of tough leather

5. hard to chew or cut: not easily chewed or cut
This steak is pretty tough.

6. threatening: characterized by antisocial behavior, crime, and social deprivation
a tough neighborhood

7. severe: involving or inflicting severe punishment or strict rules
the police policy of being tough on drink-driving

8. unfortunate: not fair or reasonable ( informal )
It was a tough choice to be offered.

9. U.S. great: perceived as being the best or most wonderful ( slang dated )
an album with some tough sounds



noun  (plural toughs)
Definition:
 
thug: an aggressive or antisocial person



adverb 
Definition:
 
aggressively: in an aggressive way that is intended to be perceived as strength and fearlessness ( informal )
acting tough



interjection 
Definition:
 
bad luck!: used to say that something is unfortunate but cannot be helped and is of no concern to the speaker

[ Old English tōh< Germanic]

tough·ly adverb

tough it out to be strong and resilient during a time of difficulty (informal)


Word Key: Synonyms

See hard.

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