hardening
UK[ˈhɑːdənɪŋ]US[ˈhɑːrdənɪŋ]
n
the process of becoming or making something hard or solid.
n
the act of becoming more severe, strict, or resistant to change or influence.
Morpheme Breakdown
hard
en
ing
hard
firm
en
verb suffix
ing
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'hardening' is a layered english formation built upon the ancient germanic root for solidity. its core, 'hard', descends from proto-germanic harduz, itself from pie kert- meaning 'strong, powerful'. the addition of the old english verbal suffix '-en' transforms the adjective into a verb, 'harden', meaning 'to make or become hard'. finally, the gerundial or action-noun suffix '-ing' is appended, converting the process into a nominal form. this etymological construction transparently maps the physical process of solidification onto more abstract concepts, such as the strengthening of attitudes or policies, demonstrating a logical extension from tangible firmness to metaphorical rigidity.
Analysis
Structure: hard (firm) + en (verb suffix) + ing (noun suffix)
- hard: from old english 'heard', meaning solid, firm, severe. functions as the adjectival root.
- en: from old english '-nian', a verb-forming suffix meaning 'to become or make'. functions as a derivational suffix.
- ing: from old english '-ung', a suffix forming nouns of action or result. functions as a nominalizer.
Examples
the hardening of the clay in the kiln is a critical stage of pottery.
there is a noticeable hardening of public opinion against the proposed law.
the doctor noted the hardening of the arteries, a condition known as arteriosclerosis.