Pronounce 04
TOUGH
Natural Pronunciation
Say it: tuff
One syllable.
Sounds like puff with a t at the beginning.
Rhymes with stuff.
Practical Use
The exam was tough, but I passed it.
She made a tough decision about her career.
The coach gave the team a tough training schedule.
It was tough to say goodbye to my friends.
He's a tough negotiator who rarely gives up.
Read in Context
A Challenging First Year
When Olivia started her own bakery, she knew the first year would be tough. She had to wake up before sunrise, prepare fresh bread, manage expenses, and serve customers throughout the day. Some mornings, she wondered whether she had made the right decision. Competition from larger bakeries made business even more difficult. However, Olivia listened to customer feedback and introduced new products every month. She also built relationships with nearby offices that ordered pastries for meetings. Although the experience was tough, she gradually developed a loyal customer base. By the end of the year, her bakery was making a profit, and Olivia felt proud of her achievement.
Understanding the Word
Tough can describe something difficult, a person who is strong, or something that is physically hard to damage or chew.
Difficult: Negotiating the contract was tough.
Strong: Her grandmother is a tough woman who has overcome many challenges.
Hard to chew or damage: The meat was too tough to eat comfortably.
