Pronunciation: [tˈʌfənz] (IPA) 
The word "toughens" is spelled with a "gh" after the letter "u", which can be confusing for some English learners. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈtʌfənz/, where the sound "f" is pronounced instead of the "gh" in the spelling. This shows how English spelling can be tricky and not always predictable. However, with practice and exposure to the language, learners can improve their spelling skills in English.
The term "toughens" refers to the action of making something physically or mentally stronger and more resistant. It refers to the process of increasing the capacity of an individual or an object to withstand harsh conditions, difficulties, or challenges.
In the context of physical objects or materials, toughening involves enhancing their durability and resilience. This can be achieved by adding elements or processes that make them less prone to break, crack, or deform under external pressures or impacts. For example, the process of toughening glass involves treating it with tempers or laminations, which improves its strength and ability to withstand impacts.
On the other hand, toughening can also refer to the development of mental or emotional fortitude in individuals. This may involve exposing oneself to challenging situations or actively seeking out experiences that push the limits of one's comfort zone. By doing so, individuals can cultivate mental resilience, enabling them to cope with adversity more effectively and maintain a strong and composed mindset.
Overall, toughening involves the act of strengthening and fortifying objects or individuals physically and mentally, allowing them to endure and persevere through challenging circumstances with increased resilience and resistance.
The word "toughens" is derived from the base word "tough". The etymology of "tough" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "tógr", which means "hard, difficult". It later evolved into the Middle English word "tough" around the 15th century, retaining the same meaning of "strong, difficult to break or penetrate". The addition of the suffix "-en", which is a verbal suffix used to form verbs from adjectives, gives the word "tough" the ability to express the action of becoming tough or making something tough. Hence, "toughens" means to make or become tougher or stronger.
