tough

/tʌf/adj
Elementary
1

Strong and resilient; sturdy.

2

Difficult to cut or chew.

3

Rugged or physically hardy.

4

Stubborn or persistent; capable of stubbornness or persistence.

5

Harsh or severe.

6

Rowdy or rough.

7

Difficult or demanding.

8

Undergoing plastic deformation before breaking.

9

Strict, not lenient.

Sound Patterns & Rhymes

Rhymes

Words that share the same ending sound pattern

Alliteration

Words starting with the same consonant sound — used in poetry and prose to create rhythm, emphasis, and memorable phrasing (e.g. “Peter Piper picked”)

Assonance

Words sharing similar vowel sounds regardless of starting letter — creates internal melody in writing

Consonance

Words sharing similar consonant sound patterns — adds texture and cohesion to writing