The spelling of the word "hardy" may seem confusing due to the silent letter "d", but the IPA phonetic transcription can help clarify it. The word is pronounced as /ˈhɑːrdi/, with a long "a" sound followed by the "r" sound and the "d" being silent. The origin of this spelling dates back to Middle English where the word was spelled as "hardi" and derived from Old French "hardi" meaning "bold" or "courageous". Today, it is commonly used to describe a person who is robust, strong, and able to endure difficult conditions.
Hardy is an adjective that describes a person, plant, or animal as being robust, sturdy, or resilient in the face of difficult or adverse conditions.
In the context of people, hardy refers to individuals who possess a strong physical constitution, are able to endure challenging circumstances, and show great resilience in the face of hardship. These individuals may have a high tolerance for pain, are able to withstand extreme weather conditions, or demonstrate exceptional strength and stamina.
When used to describe plants, hardy typically refers to those that are able to survive and thrive in unfavorable environments. These plants are usually capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, low water availability, poor soil conditions, or other harsh elements. As such, they are often well-suited for cultivation in regions with colder climates or areas with limited access to resources.
In regards to animals, hardy often suggests resilience and adaptability to challenging living conditions. This can pertain to animals that are capable of surviving and thriving in harsh habitats, such as deserts, mountains, or arctic regions. It may also refer to animals that exhibit resistance to diseases or have a higher likelihood of survival in adverse environments.
Overall, hardy conveys the idea of strength, resilience, and endurance. It implies the ability to withstand and overcome challenging circumstances, whether it be for people, plants, or animals.
Inured to fatigue; strong in body or in health; bold; brave; strong; stubborn to excess.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word hardy originated from the Old French word hardi which meant courageous or bold. It can be traced back to the Old Frankish word hardjan, meaning to make hard. Ultimately, it is believed to have derived from the Proto-Germanic word harduz, which meant hard or difficult.