English Reference
adjective · adverb

harder

adj. · adv.
US /ˈhɑɹdɝ/ UK /hˈɑːdɐ/ hard·er

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.more difficult to do, understand, or deal with.

    adj.denoting a higher level of difficulty or complexity compared to another task or situation.

    Simple

    The second level of the game is much harder than the first.

    In context

    The advanced physics module proved significantly harder than the introductory course, requiring twice as many hours of independent study.

    Pitfall
    This exam was more harder than the last one. This exam was harder than the last one.

    Do not use 'more' with 'harder'. The '-er' ending already means 'more'.

    toughermore difficult
  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    adj.more solid or firm; not easy to break or bend.

    adj.possessing a higher degree of physical rigidity or resistance to pressure.

    Simple

    This mattress is harder than my old one, but it is better for my back.

    In context

    The alloy becomes harder after the cooling process, making it suitable for industrial cutting tools.

  3. 03 A2 Elementary

    adv.with more energy, strength, or effort.

    adv.with greater intensity, force, or application of effort.

    Simple

    You need to study harder if you want to pass the final exam.

    In context

    The team worked harder in the second half, eventually overcoming the deficit to win the championship match.

    more intenselymore vigorously

Usage harder question · harder time · harder to find


Etymology 1

From hard + -er.

Etymology 2

From Afrikaans haarder (“mullet”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated