HARDEN Meaning and
Definition
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Harden is a verb that can have multiple meanings depending on the context it is used in. Generally, "harden" refers to the process of becoming physically or emotionally tougher, more resilient, or less sensitive to outside influences. This can include the development of a hardened exterior or a personality that is less susceptible to being hurt or affected. In a more literal sense, "harden" can describe the act of solidifying or becoming stiffened, usually due to the application of heat, cold, or other external factors.
In the physical sense, the term is commonly used in relation to materials such as metals or concrete that undergo a hardening process, typically through cooling or heating. When a material hardens, it becomes stronger or less pliable, often resulting in increased durability or reduced susceptibility to deformations or breakages.
In a figurative sense, "harden" can describe an individual's response to difficult experiences or challenges. It entails developing a mental or emotional resilience in order to better cope with adversity and protect oneself from potential harm. This can involve shielding oneself from emotional pain, becoming more stoic, or adopting a tougher attitude.
It should be noted that while "harden" generally denotes the development of strength or toughness, it may also carry negative connotations, suggesting a loss of sensitivity, empathy, or openness. The term is used in various contexts, including discussions on character, physical materials, temperament, and emotional responses.
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• To make or become hard, or more hard; to confirm in wickedness; to render firm or less liable to injury.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for HARDEN *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for HARDEN
Etymology of HARDEN
The word "harden" derived from the Old English verb "heardian", which meant "to make hard or solid". It can further be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *hardjaną, with a similar meaning. This Proto-Germanic word ultimately originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *kert-, meaning "hard" or "solid". Over time, the word "harden" has retained its basic meaning while undergoing some modifications in pronunciation and spelling.
Idioms with the word HARDEN
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harden your heart
The idiom "harden your heart" refers to the act of becoming emotionally detached or indifferent, deliberately suppressing or ignoring one's feelings and emotions. It implies developing a more callous and unfeeling attitude towards something or someone in order to protect oneself from being hurt or affected emotionally.
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harden heart
The idiom "harden heart" refers to someone who becomes less compassionate or empathetic, and displays a lack of emotional sensitivity or sympathy towards others. It suggests that the person has become emotionally cold or unfeeling, often due to past experiences or a deliberate choice to protect themselves from being hurt or vulnerable.
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harden sth up
The idiom "harden something up" typically means to make something tougher, stronger, or more resilient. It can be used in a literal sense, such as when referring to hardening a material or surface, or in a figurative sense, such as when talking about toughening up a person's character or attitude.
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harden sth off
The idiom "harden something off" typically refers to the process of gradually acclimating or toughening something, usually plants or seedlings, to a different or more challenging environment. This is commonly done to prepare them for outdoor conditions after they have been grown indoors or in a sheltered environment. By slowly exposing them to the outdoor elements such as wind, temperature fluctuations, and direct sunlight, the plants become stronger and more resistant to potential stressors. Overall, "harden something off" means to strengthen or prepare something for a new, more demanding situation.
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harden (one's) heart
The idiom "harden (one's) heart" refers to the act of someone deliberately making themselves emotionally or mentally resistant or unresponsive to something, typically to protect themselves from emotional pain or vulnerability. It implies closing oneself off from emotions or feelings that could potentially cause hurt or distress.
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harden something off
The idiom "harden something off" refers to the process of gradually acclimating or toughening something, typically plants or seedlings, to new or harsh conditions. It involves gradually exposing the plants to outdoor conditions, such as sunlight, wind, and temperature changes, in order to strengthen them and help them adapt to the outdoor environment.
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harden something up
The idiom "harden something up" typically means to make something stronger, more resilient, or more resistant to difficult or challenging situations.
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harden oneself to sth
The idiom "harden oneself to something" means to become emotionally or mentally resistant or impervious to something, typically negative or distressing. It implies developing a tough or unfeeling attitude towards a particular situation or experience in order to protect oneself.
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harden (one's) heart against (someone or something)
To harden one's heart against someone or something means to purposefully become less sympathetic, compassionate, or emotionally affected by them. It involves consciously closing off one's emotions or becoming less vulnerable to avoid being influenced or manipulated.
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harden oneself to
The idiom "harden oneself to" means to become emotionally or mentally less affected or sensitive to something, usually due to repeated exposure or negative experiences. It implies developing a toughened attitude or a degree of emotional resilience towards a particular situation or circumstance.
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harden oneself to something
The idiom "harden oneself to something" means to become emotionally or mentally resistant or immune to something, usually in order to cope with a difficult or distressing situation. It involves intentionally developing a strong and stoic attitude towards a particular circumstance, often to protect oneself from the negative impact it may have.
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harden your heart against somebody/something
To "harden your heart against somebody/something" means to intentionally become emotionally or mentally resistant or immune to someone or something. It implies putting up a strong emotional barrier or refusing to let oneself be affected or moved by someone's actions, words, or situations. It involves intentionally closing off one's emotions or being guarded against potential harm or disappointment.
Similar spelling words for HARDEN
- hardeman,
- harder,
- Hardimon,
- hairtonic,
- hadean,
- Hardin,
- hidden,
- hardness,
- garden,
- hardened,
- hardiness,
- hardens,
- hard news,
- hardiman,
- harridan,
- Harten,
- Hardnett,
- warden,
- harding,
- hardening,
- HARDMAN,
- hard-on.
Conjugate verb Harden
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have hardened
you
would have hardened
he/she/it
would have hardened
we
would have hardened
they
would have hardened
I
would have harden
you
would have harden
he/she/it
would have harden
we
would have harden
they
would have harden
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been hardening
you
would have been hardening
he/she/it
would have been hardening
we
would have been hardening
they
would have been hardening
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would harden
you
would harden
he/she/it
would harden
we
would harden
they
would harden
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be hardening
you
would be hardening
he/she/it
would be hardening
we
would be hardening
they
would be hardening
FUTURE
I
will harden
you
will harden
he/she/it
will harden
we
will harden
they
will harden
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be hardening
you
will be hardening
he/she/it
will be hardening
we
will be hardening
they
will be hardening
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have hardened
you
will have hardened
he/she/it
will have hardened
we
will have hardened
they
will have hardened
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been hardening
you
will have been hardening
he/she/it
will have been hardening
we
will have been hardening
they
will have been hardening
IMPERATIVE
you
harden
we
let´s harden
to harden
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was hardening
you
were hardening
he/she/it
was hardening
we
were hardening
they
were hardening
PAST PARTICIPLE
hardened
PAST PERFECT
I
had hardened
you
had hardened
he/she/it
had hardened
we
had hardened
they
had hardened
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been hardening
you
had been hardening
he/she/it
had been hardening
we
had been hardening
they
had been hardening
PRESENT
I
harden
you
harden
he/she/it
hardens
we
harden
they
harden
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am hardening
you
are hardening
he/she/it
is hardening
we
are hardening
they
are hardening
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
hardening
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have hardened
you
have hardened
he/she/it
has hardened
we
have hardened
they
have hardened
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been hardening
you
have been hardening
he/she/it
has been hardening
we
have been hardening
they
have been hardening
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
harden
SIMPLE PAST
I
hardened
you
hardened
he/she/it
hardened
we
hardened
they
hardened
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