hardened
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈhɑːrdənd/
KK: /ˈhɑrdənd/
adjective
Definition
Describing someone who is emotionally unfeeling or insensitive, often because of past experiences.
Example
After years of hardship, he became a hardened individual who rarely showed his feelings.
Conversation
I feel like some people have become really hardened over the years.
Yeah, life can do that to you sometimes, can't it?
It's sad to see how much they change, losing their warmth.
Definitely, it makes you appreciate those who stay kind.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
callous
insensitive
unfeeling
Antonyms
sensitive
empathetic
tender
verb
Definition
To make or become firm, solid, or strong.
Example
The clay hardened after being baked in the oven.
Tense Forms
Past: hardened
Past Participle: hardened
Conversation
I heard that he really hardened his heart after the breakup.
Yeah, it's tough to see someone change like that.
I guess some people feel they have to harden themselves to avoid getting hurt.
Root Explanation
Hardened → It is formed from "hard" (from Old English "heard", meaning solid or firm) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs or adjectives indicating a state or condition). The word "hardened" means made solid or firm, often through a process of becoming more resistant or less flexible.
Memory Tip
Think of something becoming 'solid' or 'firm' ('hard') and the '-en' indicating a state of being. This helps you remember that 'hardened' means something that has become solid or firm.
Visually Confused Words
unhardened
gardened
sharded