Coarseness: meaning, definitions and examples

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coarseness

[ˈkɔːrsnəs ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

of texture

The quality of being rough or harsh in texture. It can refer to the roughness of a surface or the coarseness of a material.

Synonyms

grittiness, harshness, roughness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
coarseness	Describes something with a rough texture or lack of refinement in manners, language, or quality. The coarseness of the sandpaper helps to smooth the wood. His coarseness in conversation made people uncomfortable.
roughness	Describes a surface that is not smooth, or behavior that is unrefined or violent. The roughness of the fabric irritated her skin. The roughness of their play concerned the teacher.
grittiness	Often used to describe a texture that resembles small, hard particles, or a person/scene that is tough and uncompromising. The grittiness of the beach sand got into my shoes. The film's grittiness was praised for its realistic portrayal of urban life.
harshness	Describes something severe, cruel, or unpleasant to the senses, such as sound, weather, or behavior. The harshness of his words made her cry. The harshness of the winter made it difficult for the villagers to survive.

Examples of usage

The coarseness of the sandpaper made it perfect for smoothing out the rough edges of the wood.
She complained about the coarseness of the fabric, saying it irritated her skin.
The coarseness of the sugar crystals gave the dessert a satisfying crunch.
The coarseness of the rope made it difficult to tie secure knots.
The coarseness of the flour affected the texture of the baked goods.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'cors', meaning rough or thick.
In Middle English, the term was used to describe rough textures in fabric or surfaces.
It can be traced back to the Latin word 'crassus', which means thick or dense.

Culture

In some cultures, coarseness can represent authenticity and frankness in communication, as seen in various folk tales.
Contrastingly, many societies value politeness, where coarseness in behavior is deemed unacceptable.
The artistic movement known as 'brutalist' architecture embraces coarseness, focusing on raw materials and unfinished surfaces.

Psychology

Studies suggest that people often associate coarseness in communication with honesty, but it can sometimes create conflict.
The human brain tends to perceive roughness as a cue for survival, linking it to danger or discomfort.
Coarseness in humor can serve as a bonding experience among friends, but it can offend others.

Literature

Classic literature often contrasts characters with coarse behavior against refined figures to highlight moral lessons.
Coarseness in poetry can be used to evoke strong imagery and emotions, highlighting life's harsh realities.
The use of coarse language in modern novels reflects the gritty nature of contemporary society.

Art

Artists sometimes choose coarse materials to portray themes of survival and resilience in their work.
In textile arts, the coarseness of fabric can signify the origin and craftsmanship behind the piece.
Street art often employs a coarseness that blurs the line between vandalism and creative expression.

Translations

Translations of the word "coarseness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aspereza

🇮🇳 कठोरता

🇩🇪 Grobheit

🇮🇩 kasar

🇺🇦 шорсткість

🇵🇱 szorstkość

🇯🇵 粗さ (arasa)

🇫🇷 rugosité

🇪🇸 asperidad

🇹🇷 pürüzlülük

🇰🇷 거칠음

🇸🇦 خشونة

🇨🇿 hrubost

🇸🇰 hrubosť

🇨🇳 粗糙 (cūcāo)

🇸🇮 hrapavost

🇮🇸 grófleiki

🇰🇿 дөрекілік

🇬🇪 უხეშობა

🇦🇿 kobudluq

🇲🇽 asperidad

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,555, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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22552 wooing
22553 vermilion
22554 coursing
22555 coarseness
22556 vibrator
22557 fasted
22558 troposphere
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