tough
Translation
difficult, strong, strict, resilient
Examples
This is a tough problem to solve.
This is a tough problem to solve.
The material is very tough.
The material is very tough.
He had a tough childhood.
He had a tough childhood.
The steak was tough and chewy.
The steak was tough and chewy.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) is tough. This problem is tough.
it is tough ((to-inf)). It is tough to admit you are wrong.
tough on ((sb.)). The teacher is tough on the students.
Similar Words
Synonyms: difficult, hard, strong, durable; Antonyms: easy, soft, weak, tender
Etymology
From Old English 'tōh', meaning 'tenacious, sticky'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'tough' steak that is hard to chew, or a 'tough' exam that is hard to pass.