Harsh: meaning, definitions and examples
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harsh
[ hɑːrʃ ]
weather
Unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
harsh |
Used to describe something that is very rough, strict, or unpleasant. Can refer to weather, criticism, sounds, or actions.
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severe |
Used to describe conditions or actions that are very extreme or strict. Often relates to punishments, weather, or injuries.
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bitter |
Often used to describe a strong, unpleasant taste, or intense resentment and anger. Additionally, it can refer to weather conditions but always with a sense of discomfort.
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cruel |
Describes actions that are intentionally mean or cause suffering. Usually has a very negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The harsh wind blew through the town, chilling everyone to the bone.
- The harsh sunlight beat down on the hikers, making them seek shade.
criticism
Cruel or severe in one's actions or words.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
harsh |
Used to describe something severe or unpleasant that causes discomfort or difficulty, such as criticism, weather, or conditions.
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stern |
Used to describe a person who is strict, serious, and authoritative, often in a disciplined or controlling manner.
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ruthless |
Used to describe someone who is willing to act harshly and show no pity, typically to achieve their goals. It often has a negative connotation.
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unforgiving |
Used to describe someone or something that does not show mercy or forgiveness, often maintaining a hard stance on mistakes or errors. It can have a negative implication.
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Examples of usage
- She gave him a harsh scolding for coming home late.
- The teacher's harsh feedback discouraged the students.
taste
Unpleasantly rough or acidic to the taste.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
harsh |
Used to describe something that is unpleasant, severe, or cruel. It can refer to both physical sensations, such as rough textures, and non-physical experiences, like criticism or weather conditions.
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sharp |
Can be used to describe something with a strong, distinct quality, often in taste, smell, or intellect. It can also refer to physical edges that can cut or poke.
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acrid |
Often refers to something that has a strong, unpleasant taste or smell. It is commonly used for chemicals, smoke, or other substances that irritate the senses.
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pungent |
Describes a strong, sharp smell or taste, which can be either pleasant or unpleasant depending on the context. It is often used for foods and spices, but also for strong odors in general.
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Examples of usage
- The medicine had a harsh flavor that made it difficult to swallow.
- The coffee tasted harsh and bitter without any sugar.
Translations
Translations of the word "harsh" in other languages:
🇵🇹 duro
- severo
- cruel
🇮🇳 कठोर
- सख्त
- निर्दयी
🇩🇪 hart
- streng
- grausam
🇮🇩 keras
- tegas
- kejam
🇺🇦 суворий
- жорстокий
- різкий
🇵🇱 surowy
- twardy
- okrutny
🇯🇵 厳しい (きびしい)
- 残酷な (ざんこくな)
- 無慈悲な (むじひな)
🇫🇷 dur
- sévère
- cruel
🇪🇸 duro
- severo
- cruel
🇹🇷 sert
- katı
- acımasız
🇰🇷 엄격한
- 가혹한
- 무자비한
🇸🇦 قاسٍ
- صارم
- قاسي
🇨🇿 tvrdý
- přísný
- krutý
🇸🇰 tvrdý
- prísny
- krutý
🇨🇳 严厉的 (yánlì de)
- 残酷的 (cánkù de)
- 无情的 (wúqíng de)
🇸🇮 strog
- krut
- neizprosen
🇮🇸 harður
- strangur
- grimmur
🇰🇿 қатал
- қатты
- зұлым
🇬🇪 მკაცრი
- სასტიკი
- დაუნდობელი
🇦🇿 sərt
- sərt
- amansız
🇲🇽 duro
- severo
- cruel
Etymology
The word 'harsh' originated from the Middle English word 'harsk', which meant rough or severe. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. Over time, 'harsh' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to unpleasantness, severity, and roughness in different contexts.
Word Frequency Rank
At #5,920 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
- ...
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- 5919 complement
- 5920 harsh
- 5921 socially
- 5922 hated
- 5923 commissioned
- ...