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Harshness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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harshness

[ˈhɑːʃnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in behavior

The quality of being unpleasantly rough or severe; cruelty or unkindness.

Synonyms

cruelty, severity, unkindness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harshness

This term is used when describing a situation or behavior that is uncomfortably severe or rough, but not necessarily with malicious intent.

  • The harshness of the winter was unbearable
  • Her voice had a certain harshness that made him uncomfortable
severity

This word is appropriate when talking about the intensity or seriousness of a situation, often in contexts such as punishment, weather, or criticism.

  • The severity of the punishment scared the children
  • The severity of the storm caused extensive damage
cruelty

Use this term when referring to behavior that intentionally causes pain or suffering. It has a strong negative connotation.

  • Animal cruelty is a serious offense
  • His cruelty towards his subordinates was well-known
unkindness

Use this term when someone is not being nice or considerate, often in a mild or everyday context. It indicates a lack of compassion or friendliness.

  • Her unkindness towards her classmates was noted by the teacher
  • His unkindness left her in tears

Examples of usage

  • The harshness of his words left her feeling hurt.
  • She couldn't bear the harshness of his treatment towards her.
Context #2 | Noun

in sound

The quality of being unpleasantly rough or grating to the ears.

Synonyms

discordance, grating, roughness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
harshness

Used to describe something very unpleasant or severe; often used in both physical and emotional contexts.

  • The harshness of the winter weather took everyone by surprise.
  • She couldn't handle the harshness of his criticism.
roughness

Used to describe a texture that is not smooth, or behavior that is not gentle; can refer to both physical and metaphorical roughness.

  • The roughness of the sandpaper was perfect for the job.
  • Despite his roughness, he had a kind heart.
grating

Used to describe a sound that is unpleasantly harsh or jarring; can also refer to something that is irritating or annoying.

  • The grating sound of the alarm clock woke him up.
  • Her grating voice made it hard to concentrate.
discordance

Used to refer to a lack of harmony or agreement, often in music, relationships, or conversations.

  • The discordance between the band members' instruments was noticeable.
  • There was a clear discordance in their political views.

Examples of usage

  • The harshness of the music made her cover her ears.
  • I couldn't stand the harshness of the sound coming from the speakers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing harshness can lead to increased stress and anxiety, affecting mental health.
  • Psychological studies suggest that harsh criticism can diminish self-esteem and motivation.

Literature

  • In literature, harshness often represents conflict, driving characters to show resilience.
  • Authors use harsh dialogue to portray realistic relationships, emphasizing emotional struggles.

Environmental Science

  • Harsh climates can drastically affect biodiversity, proving challenging for species survival.
  • Harsh weather conditions, like extreme cold or drought, can dramatically reshape ecosystems.

Pop Culture

  • Many famous songs feature themes of harshness, expressing struggles in relationships or life.
  • Harshness in film can set the tone, often creating a more dramatic or serious narrative.

Origin of 'harshness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'harsh', which means rough or severe.
  • Rooted in Old French 'harce' meaning rough, it evolved to describe not just things, but behaviors too.

The word 'harshness' originated from the Middle English word 'harsch' which meant rough or severe. It has been used since the 14th century to describe the quality of being unpleasantly rough or severe in behavior or sound.

See also: harsher, harshly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,015, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.