Rugged
/ˈrʌɡɪd/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Rugged means having a rough, uneven surface or shape, often with strong and tough qualities. It can describe land like mountains or rocks, objects that are hard and durable, or people who appear strong and able to deal with difficult situations.
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See It in Action
Having a rough, uneven surface or shape
- •The rugged coastline is full of cliffs and rocks.
- •He climbed over the rugged terrain without stopping.
- •The old boots were made for rugged paths in the forest.
Strong and tough in appearance or character
- •The actor played a rugged hero who never gave up.
- •She has a rugged personality that helps her face challenges.
- •Rugged vehicles are designed for hard work and rough roads.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "rugged" like "rough" (A1 word), but stronger and more about strength and toughness, not just texture
- ✓Picture a mountain with sharp rocks and uneven paths where walking is hard
- ✓It's the feeling of being outdoors in nature, where things are not smooth or easy but strong and real
- ✓Sounds like "rugged" → imagine a "rug" that is very thick and hard, not soft and smooth
- ✓Think of a cowboy or explorer in movies who looks tough and ready for adventure in wild places
- ✓NOT like "smooth" (soft and even), rugged is rough and uneven
- ✓NOT like "delicate" (fragile or easy to break), rugged means strong and durable
- ✓NOT just "rough" (can be small bumps), rugged suggests bigger, stronger, and more serious toughness
- ✓Rugged land or objects are made to last and survive hard use or bad weather
Try Other Words
- •Rough: having an uneven or coarse surface (Use when talking about texture but not emphasizing strength)
- •Tough: strong and able to handle difficult conditions (Use when focusing on strength or durability, especially for people or objects)
- •Sturdy: strongly built and not easily broken (Use for objects or people who are solid and reliable)
- •Harsh: severe or difficult (Use when describing difficult conditions, often weather or environment)
Unboxing
- •Prefix/root/suffix: "rug-" (from Old English "rugged" related to roughness) + "-ged" (adjective form)
- •Etymology: From Old English "rugged," meaning rough or uneven, related to "rug" meaning coarse cloth
- •Historical development: Originally used for rough cloth, then extended to describe land and people as strong or rough
- •Modern usage: Used to describe landscapes, objects, and people with strong, rough, or tough qualities, especially outdoors or in difficult situations
Reflect & Connect
•How can the word "rugged" help you describe both nature and people in different ways?
•Can something be rugged and beautiful at the same time? How do you see that in your environment?
Fill in the blanks
1.The hikers had to walk through rugged ___ full of rocks and steep hills.
2.A rugged person usually shows ___ and does not give up easily.
3.Unlike smooth roads, rugged paths are ___ and difficult to walk on.
4.The car was built to be rugged so it could handle ___ weather and rough terrain.
5.When you describe a rugged landscape, you often think of places that are ___ and wild.
6.Rugged shoes are made to protect your feet during ___ outdoor activities.
7.The actor’s rugged look made him perfect for the role of a ___ adventurer.