French translation of harden is 
durcir

Meaning of "harden" in English

"Harden" refers to the process of becoming or making something solid, firm, or more resilient. It can apply physically, such as to substances that solidify over time, or metaphorically, to describe emotional or mental firmness. The word is often used in contexts involving physical changes like cement drying, or in emotional contexts where someone becomes less sensitive or more resolute due to experiences. In various applications, "harden" suggests a transition from a soft or vulnerable state to a strong or unyielding one.

Meaning of "durcir" in French

"Durcir" in French means to become or make something harder or more rigid. This term is used both literally and figuratively, much like its English counterpart. Literally, it describes physical processes such as substances solidifying or hardening. Figuratively, "durcir" often refers to someone developing a tougher demeanor or emotional resilience in response to certain experiences, similar to building a hardened shell against difficulties. It signifies a transformation from softness or pliability to strength and durability.

Pronunciation of "harden" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈhɑːrdən/

Pronunciation Variations: In British English, the "r" is softer, and sometimes dropped entirely. In American English, the "r" is more pronounced. Regional accents may affect the vowel sounds slightly.

Pronunciation of "durcir" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /dyʁ.siʁ/

Pronunciation Variations: The "r" in French is guttural and pronounced at the back of the throat. The pronunciation remains consistent across different French-speaking regions, though slight variations in accent may occur.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The cement will harden overnight. (Le ciment va durcir pendant la nuit.)
2. His experiences in the army hardened him. (Ses expériences dans l'armée l'ont durci.)
3. Steel must be hardened to improve its strength. (L'acier doit être durci pour améliorer sa résistance.)
4. The cold weather will harden the ground. (Le froid va durcir le sol.)
5. Time and adversity had hardened her heart. (Le temps et l'adversité avaient durci son cœur.)
6. The clay begins to harden as it dries. (L'argile commence à durcir en séchant.)
7. The policy changes will harden our trade stance. (Les changements de politique vont durcir notre position commerciale.)
8. Exposure to harsh conditions will harden the material. (L'exposition à des conditions difficiles va durcir le matériau.)
9. Overcooking can harden the texture of the pasta. (Une cuisson excessive peut durcir la texture des pâtes.)
10. The negotiations are expected to harden the relationship between the two countries. (Les négociations devraient durcir les relations entre les deux pays.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "harden" in English

Synonyms: solidify, stiffen, toughen, fortify, anneal, calcify, set, firm up, petrify, ossify.

Antonyms: soften, loosen, weaken, relax, melt, dissolve, yield, give in, ease, lessen.

Similar Words: solidify, cement, congeal, reinforce, brace, fortify, temper, stiffen, toughen, anneal.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "durcir" in French

Synonyms: solidifier, raffermir, renforcer, endurcir, affermir, consolider, fortifier, rigidifier.

Antonyms: adoucir, assouplir, ramollir, relâcher, affaiblir, fondre, dissoudre.

Similar Words: solidifier, raffermir, endurcir, renforcer, affermir, fortifier, rigidifier.

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