adj

hardy

HAH-dee

adj

Able to endure difficult conditions, fatigue, or hardship; tough and resilient.

"The hardy climbers pushed on despite the storm."

"Sheep are hardy animals that can survive harsh winters."

Of a plant, able to survive cold or harsh growing conditions, especially frost.

"These roses are hardy enough to survive a UK winter outdoors."

Brave and bold.

"It took a hardy soul to volunteer for the mission."

How to Use Hardy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTough enough to withstand harsh conditions — used for people, animals, and especially plants that survive cold weather.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "hearty," which describes warmth, enthusiasm, or a filling meal (a "hearty meal") rather than toughness.

Easily confused with

hearty →

Common pairings

hardy plant hardy perennial hardy souls

hardier comparative, hardies plural, Hardies plural, Hardys plural, hardiest superlative

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Test yourself on “hardy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ climbers pushed on despite the storm.

From Old French hardi ("bold, daring"), ultimately linked to the Germanic root behind the word "hard."

tardy jeopardy foolhardy