hardness

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun the property of being rigid and resistant to pressure; not easily scratched; measured on Mohs scale
noun a quality of water that contains dissolved mineral salts that prevent soap from lathering
noun devoid of passion or feeling; hardheartedness

From Middle English hardness, hardnesse, from Old English heardnes, from heard + -nes, equivalent to hard + -ness.

All government includes some necessary hardness. — Uncle Tom's Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe
The principal tusk has the hardness of steel. — Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea, Jules Verne
Tem'-pered, brought to a proper degree of hardness. — McGuffey's Fifth Eclectic Reader, William Holmes McGuffey

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