Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈuː hˈɑːdənd] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "grew hardened" is straightforward once its phonetic transcription is understood. In IPA notation, "grew" is transcribed as /ɡru/, with the "g" pronounced as in "give" and the "ew" as in "few". "Hardened", on the other hand, is transcribed as /ˈhɑːdənd/, with a silent "e" at the end and the stress on the second syllable. The "hard-" is pronounced as in "hardship" and the "-ened" as in "fattened".
"Grew hardened" is a phrase used to describe a process or state of becoming emotionally resistant or emotionally toughened. It refers to a situation in which an individual's feelings, attitudes, or reactions become more callous, unfeeling, or less affected by emotional experiences over time.
This phrase suggests that someone has undergone a gradual change in their emotional responses, often resulting from repeated exposure to challenging or difficult circumstances. It implies that the person's emotions have become less vulnerable or sensitive, perhaps as a way of self-protection or self-preservation.
When someone "grows hardened," it indicates a transformation in their capacity to feel empathy, sympathy, or compassion. They may become less easily moved by the suffering or pain of others, or more desensitized to emotional stimuli. This often occurs as a defense mechanism to shield oneself from emotional harm or to cope with ongoing stressors.
The process of growing hardened can be influenced by a variety of factors, such as traumatic experiences, personal disappointments, or extended exposure to harsh or adverse conditions. It can manifest in different ways, such as reduced emotional responsiveness, increased emotional detachment, or a general apathy towards emotional situations.
However, it is important to note that growing hardened does not necessarily imply a complete absence of emotions or a loss of all empathy. It simply suggests a form of emotional adaptation or resilience that enables an individual to navigate challenging circumstances with a greater degree of emotional detachment.
The phrase "grew hardened" consists of two separate words: "grew" and "hardened".
1. "Grew": This is the past tense of the verb "grow". The verb "grow" originated from the Old English word "grōwan", which means "to grow" or "to flourish". It has Germanic roots and is related to the German word "grünen" and Dutch word "groeien".
2. "Hardened": This is the past participle form of the verb "harden". The verb "harden" came from the Old English word "heardian", which means "to make hard or firm". It shares Germanic roots with the German word "härten" and Dutch word "harden".
So, the etymology of the phrase "grew hardened" can be traced back to Old English and the Germanic languages.
