Kõvastada

Kõvastada is an Estonian verb that translates to "to harden" or "to solidify." It describes a process of becoming firmer, more rigid, or more resistant to change. This can apply to physical substances, as well as abstract concepts.

In a physical sense, kõvastada can refer to materials changing from a liquid or soft state to a solid one. For example, concrete kõvastab as it cures, becoming strong and rigid. Dough might kõvastada if it dries out, or a sauce might kõvastada as it thickens. The term can also describe the toughening of surfaces through wear or exposure.

Beyond the physical, kõvastada can be used metaphorically. A person's resolve or determination might kõvastada in the face of adversity, meaning they become more resolute. Similarly, a stance or opinion can kõvastada, becoming more entrenched and less open to compromise. The verb implies a transition to a more unyielding or stable state, whether through natural processes, deliberate action, or the passage of time. The opposite of kõvastada would be to soften, loosen, or become more pliable.