hard-edged

/ˌhɑːd ˈedʒd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌhɑːrd ˈedʒd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhärd-ˈejd/ (ame, mw)

hard-edged — adjective

1. used to describe the style of a film, piece of writing, photograph, or a person'

1.形容詞C1
釋義

used to describe the style of a film, piece of writing, photograph, or a person's way of behaving that is direct and forceful, showing the unpleasant sides of life without adding any softening emotion.

例句

The Okonkwo family's hard-edged survival story became a best-selling novel.

attributive use: hard-edged + [survival story / realism / style]

Theo's hard-edged photography captures the raw beauty of working-class neighbourhoods in Seoul.

同義詞
  • gritty

    focuses more on showing the harsh physical details of life; hard-edged suggests a deliberate, unflinching quality of style.

  • uncompromising

    shares the idea of refusing to soften the truth; hard-edged also implies sharpness or penetrating force.

  • sharp

    suggests intelligence and incisiveness but does not carry the same sense of realism or toughness.

反義詞
  • sentimental

    overly emotional and soft, the opposite of the unemotional realism in hard-edged.

  • gentle

    mild and kind, opposite of hard-edged's forceful and tough quality.

用法筆記

Typically used in arts criticism, journalism, and discussions of creative work or personal style.

常見錯誤

❌The movie is very hard-edged, so I felt very warm and happy.
✅The movie is very hard-edged, with no happy ending or comforting messages.
💡hard-edged describes something tough and realistic, not soft or uplifting.