verb
Uncommon
harden
HAHDN
Harden (verb) means to become hard, or to make something hard or harder. Example: “The clay hardens as it dries in the sun.”
verb
1
To become hard, or to make something hard or harder.
"The clay hardens as it dries in the sun."
"Cold winters harden steel used for tools."
2
To become or make someone more resistant, tough, or emotionally unaffected.
"Years of hardship had hardened her against disappointment."
How to use harden
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make or become physically hard, or emotionally tougher and less easily affected.
Common pairings
harden your resolve
harden a stance
attitudes hardened
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- hardens
- Past tense
- hardened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The clay _____ as it dries in the sun.
Etymology
From Middle English hardenen, built from hard plus the verb-forming suffix -en.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for harden
See all rhymes for harden →Frequently asked questions
What does “harden” mean?
The word “harden” means to become hard, or to make something hard or harder. In plain terms, to make or become physically hard, or emotionally tougher and less easily affected.
How do you pronounce “harden”?
“Harden” is pronounced HAHDN (/ˈhɑɹdn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “harden” in a sentence?
Here is “harden” used in a sentence: “The clay hardens as it dries in the sun.”
What is another word for “harden”?
Words with a similar meaning to “harden” include anneal, indurate, obdurate, sclerotise, solidify and steel.
What is the opposite of “harden”?
The opposite of “harden” — its antonyms — is soften.
What part of speech is “harden”?
“Harden” is a verb.
Where does the word “harden” come from?
The word “harden” comes from Middle English. From Middle English hardenen, built from hard plus the verb-forming suffix -en.
Is “harden” a common word?
“Harden” is an uncommon word in modern English.
