What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hardness
Example
The diamond's hardness makes it one of the most durable materials on earth. [hardness: noun]
Example
The hardness of the bread made it difficult to cut with a dull knife. [hardness: noun]
firmness
Example
The mattress had just the right amount of firmness for a good night's sleep. [firmness: noun]
Example
The manager showed firmness in her decision to terminate the employee for violating company policy. [firmness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Firmness is more commonly used than hardness in everyday language. Firmness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hardness is more specialized and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hardness and firmness?
Hardness is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its technical usage, while firmness can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
