Spanish Conversation · Level 123
60 words
Spanish word
endurecer
Pronunciation
IPA/enduɾeˈθeɾ/
Meaning
- verbharden
Example
El frío endurece el cemento.
The cold hardens the cement.
More examples
Con el tiempo, las críticas lo endurecieron.
Over time, the criticisms hardened him.
Core concept
Turning a soft or pliable substance into a firmer, more solid state.
Common phrases
endurecer el carácter
harden one's character
endurecer la vigilancia
strengthen surveillance
endurecer las medidas
tighten measures
Similar words
solidificar: Converts a liquid or soft substance into a solid by forming a stable solid structure.
cuajar: Brings a liquid to a set or coagulated state, producing a thickened or curdled mass.
congelar: Freezes a liquid by reducing temperature until it becomes ice or similarly hard material.
Definition in Spanish
Producir la solidificación o el aumento de firmeza de algo.
Word origin
Formed from en- 'cause' + duro 'hard' plus the suffix -ecer, where duro stems from Latin durus, so the verb literally means 'to render hard'.
Usage tips
- English endure and Spanish endurecer are false friends: endure means 'to suffer', while endurecer marks a change toward greater firmness.