Hardness Meaning in English
word · lemma: hard
Definition
The quality of being hard, solid, or firm. It can refer both to physical materials (how hard something is to scratch or break) and to a person's character (not easily affected by emotions).
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used in scientific, technical, or formal contexts for materials (like 'the hardness of steel'). For people, it's less common and can imply emotional toughness. Common phrases: 'hardness test', 'water hardness'. Don't confuse with 'difficulty' (which is about how hard something is to do, not the physical quality).
Example Sentences
She admired his emotional hardness during tough times.
natural
A Mohs scale is used to compare the hardness of minerals.
natural
You can feel the hardness of the surface just by touching it.
natural
The hardness of diamonds makes them valuable.
basic
We measured the hardness of the metal in the lab.
basic
Water hardness affects how well soap works.
basic