hardened

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hardened' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has become harder or more resistant to change, such as a person's views or opinions. For example: "Over time, his views on politics hardened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Ed Miliband hardened his opposition to a deal with the Scottish National party, saying that he was "not going to have a Labour government if it means deals or coalitions with the SNP".

The Guardian

The harrier-lovers' conviction that grouse estates were behind their disappearance had been hardened by a case in 2011, when Murphy had fitted a tag to a juvenile hen harrier, Bowland Betty.

The Guardian

Doctoral theses will some day be written on how, as the arteries of social mobility hardened, the BBC served up ever more versions of the minted entrepreneur: Dragons' Den, Gerry Robinson, The Apprentice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Owen Smith, the Pontypridd MP and shadow secretary of state for Wales, believes that, if anything, the Scottish debate has hardened Welsh hearts and minds against independence.

The Guardian

Until recently, inhabitants of Mtabila camp had access to a broad range of services but, as the government's attitude hardened, the refugees have been subjected to massive restrictions, despite the presence of the UNHCR.

The Guardian

So off my daughter and I went, a couple of weeks ago, to an island formed from volcanic lava that hardened into black rock.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Mujtaba is a good example of the new breed of Shia fighter, hellbent on confronting what they see as an existential threat against them, battle-hardened by more than a decade of conflict in Iraq and Syria and, in some cases, trained in Iran and Lebanon under the unrelenting attention of Hezbollah.

The Guardian

Part of the motivation back then was to prove a point against supposedly superior, battle-hardened opponents from the south.

The Guardian - Sport

More surprisingly, for a decade before the ban, battle-hardened officials in the Home Office and Northern Ireland office, and senior mandarins in the Cabinet Office struggled to stop a ban.

The Guardian - Opinion

According to those who have hired or worked alongside them, they are highly professional, skilled and battle-hardened by the South African border wars, in which they often fought alongside black comrades.

The Guardian

Chad's military is more formidable, with 20,000 soldiers battle-hardened by previous experience of combating insurgents.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hardened" to describe a person's emotional state, ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of their emotional resilience or detachment.

Common error

Avoid using "hardened" when a more nuanced word like "determined" or "resolute" would better capture the intended meaning, particularly in stories or emotional writing.

Linguistic Context

The word "hardened" primarily functions as a verb (past participle) or adjective. As a verb, it describes the action of becoming hard or resolute. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts. As an adjective it describes a quality of having become hard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hardened" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb or adjective to denote increased resistance, physical firmness, or emotional insensitivity. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. Its frequency is "very common", indicating widespread usage. Consider context carefully when using "hardened", aiming for precision in describing changes of state or emotional resilience. Related phrases such as "became callous" or "grew insensitive" offer nuanced alternatives, enhancing clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became toughened

Similar to hardened but emphasizes increased resilience or durability.

grew resistant

Implies an increased ability to withstand external pressures or influences.

became callous

Replaces the idea of becoming physically hard with emotional desensitization.

became inured

Implies adaptation and acceptance of a negative experience.

grew insensitive

Shifts the focus to a gradual loss of emotional feeling.

was tempered

Suggests that something was strengthened through a difficult process.

became unyielding

Focuses on the inability to be moved or persuaded.

became desensitized

Focuses on the reduction of emotional response to a particular stimulus.

developed a thick skin

An idiomatic way of expressing emotional resilience.

solidified

Focuses on becoming firm or stable, often used for opinions or decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "hardened" in a sentence?

You can use "hardened" to describe something that has become more resistant or unyielding. For example, "The steel was "hardened" through a specific heat treatment" or "His experiences "hardened" his resolve to fight for justice".

What can I say instead of "hardened"?

Alternatives to "hardened" include "toughened", "became callous", or "grew insensitive", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Which is correct, "hardened" or "toughened"?

Both "hardened" and "toughened" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Hardened" implies a loss of sensitivity or increased resistance, while "toughened" suggests increased resilience or durability.

What's the difference between "hardened" and "solidified"?

"Hardened" generally refers to an increase in physical or emotional resistance, while "solidified" implies a firming or stabilization of something that was previously fluid or uncertain. For example, "His opinions "solidified" over time" uses "solidified" correctly.