Coarsen: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'coarsen' derives from the word 'coarse', which has roots in Latin, specifically from 'coarsa', meaning 'rough'.
• It appeared in the English language around the late 15th century, gaining popularity in various contexts related to texture and quality.
• The word has been influenced by Middle English words describing roughness and a lack of delicacy.

Usage in Art

• In art, the process of coarsening can describe techniques that create a more textured appearance in paintings or sculptures.
• Artists may intentionally coarsen materials to evoke certain feelings, like rawness or intensity, in their work.
• Textiles can be coarsened through specific weaving methods to produce fabrics with a rustic or rugged look.

Science and Technology

• In materials science, coarsening refers to processes where particles or grains aggregate, impacting the material's properties.
• Coarsening can occur in metallurgy, where heating and cooling cycles affect the grain size in metals, altering strength and flexibility.
• Techniques involving coarsening are vital in the creation of materials with specific textures, crucial in industries like aerospace and automotive.

Psychology

• Coarsening of language, as discussed in psychology, refers to the way language can become harsher or less refined over time.
• Studies show that exposure to aggressive language can lead to coarsened social interactions, influencing relationships and communication style.
• The coarsening of moral sensitivity is a psychological concept reflecting how repeated exposure to certain behaviors desensitizes individuals.

Literature

• In literature, characters may coarsen through experiences, reflecting a loss of innocence or a shift in worldview.
• Authors often use coarsening language or situations to illustrate themes of conflict, power, or societal decay.
• The concept of coarsening can be a metaphor for character development, showing how individuals adapt to harsh realities.

Ranking #39,420, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 39417 fatefully
• 39418 tyrannizing
• 39419 rakishly
• 39420 coarsen
• 39421 spitefulness
• 39422 limning
• 39423 distastefully
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