The spelling of the word "makes tough" might seem confusing at first glance. However, when we look at the phonetic transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the spelling becomes clearer. The word is pronounced /meɪks tʌf/, with the first syllable "meɪks" being pronounced like "makes" and the second syllable "tʌf" like "tough". The spelling of the word may reflect its origins in Old English, where the two words were originally spelled differently but have since merged in modern English.
"Makes tough" is an idiomatic expression used to depict the act or process of becoming strong, resilient, or enduring in the face of challenging situations or circumstances. It refers to the capacity or ability to withstand and overcome adversity, difficulties, or hardships with determination, courage, or toughness, thereby developing a sense of personal strength and resilience.
The phrase emphasizes the transformative nature of demanding experiences in shaping an individual's character or fortitude. When someone "makes tough," they go through a process that can involve confronting and overcoming obstacles, acquiring new skills or knowledge, developing a strong mindset, or adopting effective coping mechanisms. In this sense, "makes tough" encompasses the idea of personal growth through adversity.
To make tough, therefore, implies undergoing a transformative journey where individuals face and endure hardships, often resulting in increased mental, emotional, or physical resilience. It may involve developing qualities such as perseverance, self-discipline, mental acuity, emotional stability, or physical strength. This process can be facilitated by personal challenges, life experiences, or a deliberate decision to actively seek out difficult situations for personal development.
Overall, "makes tough" encapsulates the idea that enduring and overcoming hardships contributes to the development of inner strength, resilience, and adaptability. It signifies the individual's ability to rise above difficulties and emerge stronger, better equipped to face future challenges confidently.
There is no etymology for the exact phrase "makes tough" since it's a combination of two different words. However, we can break down the etymology of each individual word to understand their origins:
1. "Make": The word "make" comes from the Middle English word "maken" which derived from the Old English word "macian". It has roots in the West Germanic language, where its cognates can be found in Old Frisian "maka", Old Saxon "makōn", Middle Dutch "maken", and Old High German "mahhōn". All these words mean "to do" or "to create".
2. "Tough": The word "tough" has an uncertain etymology, but it can be traced back to the Middle English word "tough" or "touȝ", which meant "strong" or "tenacious".