Tough describes something or someone strong enough to handle difficulty without breaking or giving up. A tough material like leather can take a beating without tearing apart. A tough steak requires serious chewing because its fibers won't break down easily. A tough math problem challenges even skilled students.

When describing people, tough means able to endure hardship, pain, or pressure. A tough athlete plays through discomfort and keeps training when others quit. A tough negotiator doesn't cave in to pressure. Someone going through a tough time faces real challenges: maybe a family illness, friendship troubles, or a difficult school year.

The word can also mean strict or demanding. A tough teacher maintains high standards and doesn't accept excuses. Tough rules leave little room for exceptions. A tough boss expects excellence.

Sometimes people confuse being tough with being mean or uncaring, but that's not quite right. True toughness involves resilience and strength of character. A tough person might be the most caring person you know, but they've developed the strength to face difficulty head-on rather than avoiding it. When your grandfather says you're tougher than you think, he means you have more strength inside you than you realize.