Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a ruggedly tough manner: Performing an action with resilience, strength, or a lack of sentimentality; characterized by a hardy, durable, or unyielding quality.
   • In a toughly vigorous manner: Carrying out an action with robust, forceful, and intense energy.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • The old sailor spoke toughly of the storms he had weathered. (He described his experiences with a resilient and unsentimental attitude.)
  • She negotiated the contract toughly, conceding no ground. (She negotiated in a firm, unyielding manner.)
  • The reporter wrote toughly about the political scandal. (The reporter wrote in a vigorous, uncompromising style.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act toughly": to behave in a resilient, strong, or uncompromising way.
  • Despite the pressure, the leader acted toughly and made the difficult decision.
• "to argue toughly": to debate or dispute with forceful vigor and firmness.
  • The lawyer argued toughly for her client's innocence.

Variants and Related Words

• Tough (adjective): strong, resilient, or difficult.
  • This is a tough piece of meat.
  • He's a tough competitor.
• Toughness (noun): the quality of being tough.
  • The toughness of the material was tested.

Synonyms

• Resiliently: In a way that withstands or recovers quickly from difficult conditions.
• Sturdily: In a strongly and solidly built manner.
• Vigorously: In a way that involves physical strength, effort, or energy.
• Firmly: In a resolute and determined manner.

Related Phrases

• To take something toughly: To react to a difficult situation with resilience and strength.
  • She took the criticism toughly and used it to improve her work.

Adverb

1. in a ruggedly tough manner
   • toughly vigorous story-telling