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Hardened for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: 'hɑrdənd

What does Hardened really mean?

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Hardened is a word that has more than one meaning, so let's break it down step by step to make sure we really understand it.

First, in a physical sense, when we say something is "hardened," we mean that it has become solid and tough. You can think of it like water turning into ice. When water freezes, it becomes hard and solid, right? Well, the same idea applies to other things too. For example, if you leave a piece of bread out for a long time, it will become hardened and difficult to eat because it has lost its softness and freshness. This is the kind of hardened that we can see and touch.

But there is also another meaning of hardened, which relates to our feelings and attitudes. When we say someone is "hardened," we are talking about their emotions and behavior. It means that they have become less sensitive or less affected by things that would usually make most people feel sad, happy, or angry. Imagine if you had a little baby plant that you watered every day and took care of, but it didn't grow or change at all. It's like that! The person becomes emotionally closed off, not easily moved by things that used to make them feel a lot.

Now, let's talk a bit more about the second definition of "hardened." Sometimes, people may become hardened as a result of going through difficult experiences. They may have faced a lot of challenges, disappointments, or even betrayals, which caused them to build emotional walls around themselves. These walls act as a shield to protect them from getting hurt again. It's like putting on a tough armor to guard your heart. However, this armor can also prevent them from experiencing positive emotions fully, like love, joy, and empathy.

In conclusion, when something is "hardened" it can mean that it has become physically solid and unyielding, or it can refer to a person who has become emotionally closed off and less affected by their own feelings or the feelings of others. It's important to remember that both these meanings of "hardened" can impact our lives in different ways, so it's essential to keep an open mind, be empathetic, and always be willing to grow and learn.

Revised and Fact checked by Mike Johnson on 2023-10-29 08:09:57

Hardened In a sentece

Learn how to use Hardened inside a sentece

  • After being left outside in the cold for hours, the water in the cup hardened and turned into ice.
  • The dough needs to be hardened in the refrigerator for a while before we can shape it into cookies.
  • The old man's heart had hardened after years of disappointment and he became less trusting of people.
  • The criminal had a hardened expression on his face, showing no remorse for his actions.
  • She struggled to cut through the hardened steak with a dull knife.

Hardened Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Hardened Antonyms

Words that have the opposite context of the original word.

Hardened Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.