hard-rock
Meaning
A loud, forceful style of rock music with a heavy beat and simple melodies, often featuring electric guitars.
Of or relating to this style of music.
Structure
Usage
The band is famous for its classic hard-rock anthems.
He prefers the raw energy of hard-rock to other genres.
The festival's lineup features several legendary hard-rock groups.
Etymology
The term "hard-rock" is a modern English compound formed from two native Germanic words. "Hard," from Old English heard, originally described physical solidity and toughness, a meaning it retains. "Rock," as a shorthand for "rock and roll" music, emerged in the mid-20th century. The compound "hard-rock" logically applies the adjective's sense of unyielding intensity and power to characterize a more aggressive, amplified, and rhythmically driving subgenre of rock music, distinguishing it from softer, pop-oriented styles. The term's logic is transparent, directly linking the perceived sonic qualities (hard, powerful) to the musical category.
Analysis
- hard: From Old English heard (solid, firm, severe), of Germanic origin. In this compound, it functions as an intensifier describing the music's qualities. - rock: Shortened from 'rock and roll'. In this compound, it functions as the head noun specifying the musical genre.