hard-nosed
|hard-nosed|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈhɑrdˌnoʊzd/
🇬🇧
/ˈhɑːdˌnəʊzd/
practical and determined
Etymology
Etymology Information
'hard-nosed' originates from the English words 'hard' and 'nose', where 'hard' meant 'firm or unyielding' and 'nose' referred to 'the front or leading part'.
Historical Evolution
'hard-nosed' evolved from the literal sense of having a 'hard nose' to metaphorically describing someone with a firm and unyielding attitude.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'having a physically hard nose', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'practical and determined'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
practical and determined; not influenced by emotions.
She is a hard-nosed businesswoman who doesn't let emotions interfere with her decisions.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42