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Laughing hard
Posted by Bruce Kahl on July 28, 2001
In Reply to: Laughing hard posted by Stephen on July 28, 2001
: I'm curious about the origin and more elaborate meaning of the adjective "hard" as used in expressions like:
: laugh hard
: sleep hard
: think hard
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English heard; akin to Old High German hart hard, Greek kratos strength
In your usage it is an adverb.
Main Entry: hard
Date: before 12th century
1 a : with great or utmost effort or energy : STRENUOUSLY b : in a violent manner : FIERCELY c : to the full extent -- usually used in nautical directions d : to an immoderate degree e : in a searching, close, or concentrated manner
2 a : in such a manner as to cause hardship, difficulty, or pain b : with rancor, bitterness, or grief
3 : in a firm manner : TIGHTLY
4 : to the point of hardness
5 : close in time or space
