Reading Theme:

Language:

Font Size:

📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Tough: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：hard to do (tough)

tough 🔊

/tʌf/

adj.

Hard to do or deal with; requiring a lot of effort or skill.

Tough meaning illustrated by a student struggling with a difficult math test.

hard to do 🔊

➕

/hɑːrd tuː duː/

adj.

Describes a task, situation, or problem that requires a significant amount of effort, skill, or endurance to complete or overcome.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'tōh' (strong, firm), related to Middle Dutch 'taai' (tough, tenacious).

💡 Mnemonic

Tough stuff feels rough and is hard to break. Rhymes with 'enough' but means the opposite of easy.

📖 Example

The final project was really tough, but working with friends made it easier. 🔊 The final assignment was extremely challenging, but collaborating with classmates helped.

🔗 Collocations

tough decision – a choice that is difficult to make

tough time – a period marked by difficulty or hardship

tough competition – a situation where rivals are strong and hard to beat

🔄 Synonyms

difficult (adj.) – requiring much effort or skill

challenging (adj.) – testing one's abilities in a demanding way

arduous (adj.) – involving strenuous effort; laborious

🚫 Antonyms

easy (adj.) – achieved without great effort

simple (adj.) – easily understood or done

straightforward (adj.) – uncomplicated and easy to do

🌱 Derivatives

toughness (n.) – the quality of being strong and resilient or difficult

toughen (v.) – to make or become tougher

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'tough' evolved from Old English, originally describing physical strength. In 19th-century American slang, it began describing a rough, resilient person, cementing its association with both physical durability and mental fortitude in modern culture.

Meaning 2：durable (tough)

tough 🔊

/tʌf/

adj.

Strong and not easily broken, cut, or damaged; able to withstand rough use.

durable 🔊

➕

/ˈdjʊərəbl/

adj.

Describes an object, material, or substance that is strong, resilient, and not easily broken, cut, or worn down.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

These hiking boots are made of tough leather, so they protect your feet on rocky trails. 🔊 These hiking boots are constructed from durable leather, offering protection on rugged paths.

🔗 Collocations

tough material – a substance that is strong and resistant

tough skin – skin that is thick and resistant to injury

tough as nails – extremely strong and resilient (idiomatic)

🔄 Synonyms

strong (adj.) – able to withstand great force or pressure

durable (adj.) – able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage

resilient (adj.) – able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions

🚫 Antonyms

fragile (adj.) – easily broken or damaged

delicate (adj.) – easily broken or damaged; fine

weak (adj.) – liable to break or give way under pressure

🌱 Derivatives

toughness (n.) – the quality of being strong and resilient or difficult

toughen (v.) – to make or become tougher