The word "toughened up" is spelled /tʌfənd ʌp/. The first syllable "tuf" is spelled with the letters "t", "u", and "f", which represent the sounds /t/, /ʌ/, and /f/. The second syllable "end" is spelled with the letters "e", "n", and "d", which represent the sounds /ɛ/, /n/, and /d/. Finally, the third syllable "up" is spelled with the letters "u" and "p", which represent the sounds /ʌ/ and /p/. "Toughened up" means to become more resilient or resistant to difficulties.
The term "toughened up" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the process or act of making someone or something more resilient, strong, or resistant to hardship or difficult situations. It typically signifies an individual's ability to withstand and adapt to challenges or adversity.
When a person "toughens up," they often fortify their emotional, mental, or physical state in order to become more enduring and less vulnerable. This can involve the development of coping mechanisms, acquiring new skills, or building up endurance to face demanding situations. It implies a deliberate effort to become more robust, whether to be better prepared for future challenges or to persevere through existing difficulties.
The phrase can also refer to material objects or structures that have been reinforced or made stronger. For example, glass can be toughened up by undergoing a specific heating and cooling process to increase its strength and resistance to breaking.
Moreover, "toughened up" can symbolize the act of becoming less sensitive or less affected by negative experiences or criticism. It suggests a person becoming more hardened and less prone to being emotionally affected or discouraged by setbacks or negativity.
Overall, "toughened up" encompasses the idea of embracing resilience, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity, whether applied to individuals, entities, or physical objects.
The word "toughened up" is a verb phrase formed by combining the adjective "tough" with the past participle form of the verb "to toughen". The etymology of "tough" can be traced back to Old English (tōh) and Middle English (tough), ultimately deriving from the Old Norse word "tómr", meaning "empty" or "destitute". Over time, the meaning of "tough" evolved to denote various qualities such as strength, resilience, and durability. "Toughen" is a verb derived from "tough", and the addition of the suffix "-en" forms the action of making or becoming tough. Therefore, "toughened up" implies the process of making someone or something tougher, stronger, or more resilient.