In this installment of Word Knots we’ll discuss another two words that are often confused.

Once again our source for this is installment is The Dictionary of Disagreeable English by Robert Hartwell Fiske (Chicago: Writer’s Digest Books). It’s a great book: Check it out.

From Fiske (excerpted):

hardy

Misused for hearty. 

As Fiske writes (edited and excerpted):

Hardy means robust, vigorous; daring, courageous; able to survive difficult or winter conditions. Hearty means warm, friendly; enthusiastic; unrestrained; strong, healthy; nourishing, satisfying; needing or enjoying a good deal of food.

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Let’s look at the most relevant Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary definitions (excerpted):

hardy

adjective

1  : bold, brave

2  : audacious, brazen

3 a : accustomed to dealing with fatigue or hardships

   b : capable of withstanding adverse conditions

hearty

adjective

1 a : giving unqualified support

   b : enthusiastically  or exuberantly cordial

   c : expressed unrestrainedly

2 a : exhibiting vigorous good health

   b (1) : having a good appetite

      (2) : abundant, rich, or flavorful enough to satisfy the appetite

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M-W’s definition 2a for hearty and 3b  for hardy may be why these two words are often confused.

Let’s look at examples.

The gardener specifically wanted to plant hardy varieties of plants, which would come back every year.

Based on how well they did last year, he gave them a hearty recommendation.

The crew was a hardy bunch, who handled the foul weather easily.

After a long day out in the field, they were ready for a hearty meal.

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