hardy
Hardy (adj) means Able to endure difficult conditions, fatigue, or hardship; tough and resilient. Example: “The hardy climbers pushed on despite the storm.”
How to use hardy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTough enough to withstand harsh conditions — used for people, animals, and especially plants that survive cold weather.
Don't confuse with "hearty," which describes warmth, enthusiasm, or a filling meal (a "hearty meal") rather than toughness.
Word forms
hardier comparative, hardies plural, Hardies plural, Hardys plural, hardiest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ climbers pushed on despite the storm.
Etymology
From Old French hardi ("bold, daring"), ultimately linked to the Germanic root behind the word "hard."
Related words
Rhymes for hardy
See all rhymes for hardy →Frequently asked questions
What does “hardy” mean?
The word “hardy” means able to endure difficult conditions, fatigue, or hardship; tough and resilient. In plain terms, tough enough to withstand harsh conditions — used for people, animals, and especially plants that survive cold weather.
How do you pronounce “hardy”?
“Hardy” is pronounced HAH-dee (/ˈhɑɹdi/ in IPA).
How do you use “hardy” in a sentence?
Here is “hardy” used in a sentence: “The hardy climbers pushed on despite the storm.”
What part of speech is “hardy”?
“Hardy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “hardy” come from?
The word “hardy” comes from Old French. From Old French hardi ("bold, daring"), ultimately linked to the Germanic root behind the word "hard.".
Is “hardy” a common word?
“Hardy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “hardy” have?
“Hardy” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: able to endure difficult conditions, fatigue, or hardship; tough and resilient.
What is the difference between hardy and healthy?
Hardy describes the ability to endure difficult conditions, fatigue, or hardship, while healthy simply describes being free from illness or in good physical condition. A person or plant can be healthy without being hardy, since hardiness is specifically about resilience under stress.
What does it mean for a plant to be hardy?
A hardy plant is one able to survive cold or harsh growing conditions, especially frost, without special protection. Gardeners use "hardy" to describe plants that can be left outdoors through winter in a given climate.
What is the difference between hardy and brave?
Hardy emphasizes physical toughness and the ability to endure hardship or harsh conditions, while brave emphasizes courage in the face of danger or fear. Hardy can also carry the sense of being brave and bold, but its core meaning leans toward resilience rather than fearlessness.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include hardy: