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Coarsen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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coarsen

[ˈkɔːrsən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

make rough

To coarsen means to make something rough or less refined. It often refers to the process of changing the texture or quality of a material or substance, such as sharpening a tool or altering the texture of a fabric. In a broader sense, it can also imply a degeneration in quality or sophistication, sometimes in a social or moral context. The term can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Synonyms

abrade, deteriorate, roughen.

Examples of usage

  • The harsh weather can coarsen the surface of the stone.
  • Exposure to the elements can coarsen even the finest fabrics.
  • His rude remarks began to coarsen the conversation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'coarsen'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'coarsen' comes from the Middle English term 'coarsen', which is derived from 'coarse', meaning rough or crude. The root 'coarse' itself traces back to the Latin 'cursum', meaning 'course' or 'path', indicating a lack of refinement or elegance. Over the centuries, 'coarsen' has maintained its focus on the process of making something less refined or more rough in texture. It was first documented in English around the late 14th century and has evolved in usage to encapsulate both physical and metaphorical applications. The idea of coarsening implies a change for the worse, often used in discussions of social behavior as well as in the physical alteration of materials.

Word Frequency Rank

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.