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| tough [ tuf ] |
adjective (comparative tough·er, superlative tough·est) |
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| Definition: |
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1. difficult: physically or mentally challenging
 That's a tough question.
 It's a tough climb to the peak.
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2. very strong: physically or mentally strong and possessing great endurance
 Is he tough enough to make the climb?
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3. resolute: having or showing firm resolve
 She's a tough person to negotiate with.
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4. durable: able to withstand much use, strain, or wear without breaking, tearing, or other damage
 boots made of tough leather
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5. hard to chew or cut: not easily chewed or cut
 This steak is pretty tough.
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6. threatening: characterized by antisocial behavior, crime, and social deprivation
 a tough neighborhood
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7. severe: involving or inflicting severe punishment or strict rules
 the police policy of being tough on drink-driving
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8. unfortunate: not fair or reasonable
(
informal
)
 It was a tough choice to be offered.
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9. U.S. great: perceived as being the best or most wonderful
(
slang dated
)
 an album with some tough sounds
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noun (plural toughs) |
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| Definition: |
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thug: an aggressive or antisocial person
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adverb |
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| Definition: |
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aggressively: in an aggressive way that is intended to be perceived as strength and fearlessness
(
informal
)
 acting tough
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interjection |
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| Definition: |
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bad luck!: used to say that something is unfortunate but cannot be helped and is of no concern to the speaker
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| [ Old English tōh< Germanic] |
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 tough·ly adverb |
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tough it out to be strong and resilient during a time of difficulty (informal)
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