Definition of hardy

The origin of the word "hardy" can be traced back to the Middle English "herdige," which denoted a "stout," "brave," or "hardy" person. The term "herdige" evolved from the Old English "hornramig," which had the meaning of "having horns," implying strength and vigor. The adjectival form "hardy" first appeared in the early 16th century, and it came to mean "strongly constituted," "vigorous," or "able to withstand hardships." The word's relationship to the original "herdige" can still be seen in the modern use of 'hardy' to describe plants that are resilient to harsh environmental conditions. During the Victorian era, "hardy" started to be used to describe literature, particularly romantic fiction. The term "hardy novel" signified that a novel was part of a popular genre that consisted mostly of sentimental stories with happy endings, unlike the more serious "realistic" novels of the time. Consequently, the word "hardy" came to mean both "strong and sturdy" and "natively suited to severe conditions," including harsh emotions in literature. Today, the word "hardy" is commonly used to describe people, plants, and animals that are robust and resilient in the face of adversity. It also continues to have connotations of intrinsic fortitude, illustrating the evolution of the term over time.