tough
UK: tʌf | US: tʌf
adj. strong and durable; able to withstand hardship
adj. difficult to cut, chew, or break
adj. strict or uncompromising
n. a rough or violent person (informal)
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The word "tough" originates from Old English tōh, meaning "strong, tenacious, or difficult to break." It shares Germanic roots with Dutch taai and German zäh, all conveying resilience or durability. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe strictness ("a tough teacher") or challenging situations ("a tough problem"). The spelling and pronunciation remained remarkably stable, reflecting its core idea of unyielding strength.
The leather jacket is made of tough material.
This steak is too tough to chew.
The coach has a tough training regimen.
Growing up in the city made him tough.
It’s tough to learn a new language as an adult.