-ard

American  

1. a suffix forming nouns that denote persons who regularly engage in an activity, or who are characterized in a certain way, as indicated by the stem; now usually pejorative.

   coward; dullard; drunkard; wizard.

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-ard British  

suffix

1. indicating a person who does something, esp to excess, or is characterized by a certain quality

   braggart

   drunkard

   dullard

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Usage

What does -ard mean? The combining form -ard is a suffix denoting “someone who engages often in an activity,” and it is frequently pejorative. It is often used in everyday terms.The form -ard comes from German -hard, meaning “strong; hardy; hard,” which is a cognate of English hard.What are variants of -ard?In some rare instances, the form -ard becomes -art, as in braggart. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article about -art.

Etymology

Origin of -ard

Middle English < Old French, probably extracted from Frankish compound personal names; compare Old High German Adalhart ( French Alard ), Bernhart ( French Bernard ), with 2nd element -hart literally, strong, hardy, hard (cognate with Old English -heard in names), often merely as intensifier of quality denoted in 1st element.

Example Sentences

"If everything works out, the contracts for the new howitzers will be signed by the end of the coming month," he told German public broadcaster ARD.

From Reuters

Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer told Germany's ARD television that she hoped that an air bridge could be organised, but added that the situation at Kabul airport was currently very confusing.

From Reuters

The wedding was officiated by their close friend Dominick Ard’is, who was ordained through the Universal Life Church for the event.

From New York Times

He was well-connected with senior officials in the spy agency, according to ARD.

From Washington Post

At the time of his arrest, German public broadcaster ARD reported that Klaus L., who is in his 70s, had also been an informant for Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, the BND, for half a century.

From Washington Post