WordGarden.iocoarseness
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˈɔːsnəs/
US
- /kˈɔːrsnəs/
Meanings
Noun
roughness or large-grained texture rather than smoothness or fineness
rudeness, vulgarity, or lack of social refinement
broadness, imprecision, or lack of fine detail
Beyond the definition
Coarseness isn't always about touch. While it certainly describes something with a rough or uneven surface—like sandpaper or coarse salt—it can also refer to a lack of delicacy in behavior or language. Think of a sailor telling tall tales; their speech might be described as coarse, meaning blunt and unrefined. A coarse joke is one that's likely to offend. It's about lacking polish, whether physically or socially. Imagine comparing silk (smooth) to burlap (coarse), or the difference between a gentle suggestion and a harsh command—the latter would be considered coarse.
Coarseness describes a lack of fineness or delicacy, manifesting in several ways. Primarily, it refers to texture. A coarse fabric like burlap feels rough to the touch, unlike smooth silk or satin. Sandpaper is intentionally made with coarseness to help grind and polish surfaces. Think about different types of salt—table salt is fine, while sea salt can be quite coarse.
However, "coarseness" extends beyond physical sensation. It also describes a lack of refinement in behavior or language. A person exhibiting coarseness might be rude, blunt, or insensitive. Coarse language includes profanity or vulgarity—words that are considered offensive or lacking grace. A coarse joke relies on shock value rather than wit.
Coarseness can also mean "grainy" or lacking fine detail: the coarseness of a coffee grind, a weave, a brushstroke, or even a description that skips nuance. A voice can sound coarse when it is harsh or rough. A skilled artist might deliberately use coarse brushstrokes to create a certain effect, while a diplomat would avoid any coarseness in their speech to maintain good relations.
So whether you're describing the feel of a material, the tone of someone's voice, or the quality of their manners, "coarseness" points to something lacking smoothness, delicacy, and refinement—a roughness that can be felt or perceived.
Examples
- 1
Texture
She ran her hand over the towel and noticed its coarseness.
- 2
Food texture
The bread had a slight coarseness that made it feel homemade.
- 3
Rude language
He apologized for the coarseness of his language during the meeting.
- 4
Rough manner
Beneath his usual coarseness, there was real kindness.
See also
Similar
- roughness
- grittiness
- abrasiveness
Shades of meaning
- graininess
- scratchiness
- unevenness
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- coarseness of texture
- coarseness of grain
- surface coarseness
Word family
Explore
- texture
- particle size
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- coarsenessnoun