hard-tempered
Definition
Adjective: hard-tempered describes a person who is difficult to deal with due to a stubborn, unyielding, or harsh disposition. It implies a character that is resistant to change, persuasion, or gentle treatment.
Usage Examples
- (The blacksmith had a stubborn and harsh personality.)
- (Her unyielding disposition prevented close relationships.)
- (He stayed stubborn and unforgiving.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be of a hard-tempered disposition": to have a naturally stubborn and inflexible character.
- The general was of a hard-tempered disposition, which earned him respect but also fear. (His unyielding nature was both admired and feared.)
- "hard-tempered as a mule": a simile comparing someone to a mule, known for stubbornness.
- She was as hard-tempered as a mule, never changing her mind once it was set. (She was extremely stubborn.)
Variants and Related Words
- Hard-temperedness (noun): the quality of being hard-tempered.
- His hard-temperedness caused constant conflict at work. (His stubborn, harsh nature led to arguments.)
- Temper (noun): a person's state of mind regarding anger or calmness.
- He has a quick temper. (He becomes angry easily.)
- Tempered (adj): having a specified temper or disposition (often used in compounds like , ).
- She is even-tempered, rarely getting upset. (She has a calm disposition.)
Synonyms
- Stubborn: unreasonably obstinate; refusing to change one's opinion or course of action.
- Obdurate: stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing or unyielding.
- Inflexible: unwilling to change or adapt; rigid.
Related Idioms
- Set in one's ways: having fixed habits or opinions that are difficult to change.
- He is too set in his ways to accept new ideas. (He is stubborn and unyielding.)
- Hard as nails: emotionally or physically tough; unfeeling.
- The coach is hard as nails, showing no mercy to lazy players. (He is harsh and unyielding.)
Note on Etymology and Usage
The word "hard-tempered" is a compound adjective formed from "hard" (meaning difficult, unyielding) and "tempered" (from "temper," meaning character or disposition). It is less common than synonyms like "stubborn" or "obdurate," but it specifically emphasizes a combination of harshness and inflexibility. It is often used in literary or formal contexts to describe a person's unyielding nature.