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Roughness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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roughness

[ˈrʌfnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

surface texture

The quality or condition of being uneven or irregular in texture, such as the roughness of sandpaper.

Synonyms

coarseness, irregularity, unevenness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
roughness

This appears to be a duplicate and has the same context and examples as provided above.

  • The roughness of the sandpaper made it perfect for smoothing wood
  • His roughness in handling the situation upset many people
coarseness

Best used when talking about the texture of a material, or when referring to language or behavior that lacks refinement and is often considered rude or vulgar.

  • The coarseness of the fabric made it uncomfortable to wear
  • She was surprised by the coarseness of his jokes at the formal event
unevenness

Used when pointing out surfaces or areas that are not level, consistent, or equal, often resulting in difficulty or imbalance.

  • The unevenness of the road made the journey quite bumpy
  • There was an unevenness in the distribution of resources that needed to be addressed
irregularity

This term is most suitable for describing something that deviates from normal patterns, shapes, or behaviors, often implying unpredictability.

  • The irregularity of his heartbeats worried the doctor
  • There were several irregularities in the data that required further investigation

Examples of usage

  • The roughness of the road made driving difficult.
  • The roughness of the fabric irritated her skin.
Context #2 | Noun

behavior

The quality of being unpolished or lacking refinement in behavior or manners.

Synonyms

crude behavior, harshness, rudeness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
roughness

This word is often used to describe physical textures or behaviors that lack smoothness or refinement. It can be used for both literal and metaphorical roughness.

  • The roughness of the road made the drive uncomfortable.
  • His roughness in handling disputes often led to more conflicts.
rudeness

This word is used to describe behavior that is impolite, disrespectful, or lacking in manners. It generally has a negative connotation.

  • His rudeness to the waiter was inexcusable.
  • She didn't appreciate the rudeness of his comments.
harshness

Ideal for describing something severe, strict, or unkind. It can refer to both environmental conditions and interpersonal interactions.

  • The harshness of the winter wind was unbearable.
  • She couldn't tolerate his harshness in criticizing her work.
crude behavior

This phrase is used to describe actions or manners that are primitive, unrefined, or lacking in polish. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • His crude behavior at the dinner table embarrassed everyone.
  • The comedian's crude behavior was offensive to many in the audience.

Examples of usage

  • His roughness towards his colleagues caused tension in the office.
  • She was taken aback by the roughness of his language.
Context #3 | Noun

weather

The state of being stormy or tempestuous, as in the roughness of the sea during a storm.

Synonyms

storminess, turbulence, violence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
roughness

Used to describe a surface or an experience that is not smooth or is harsh. It can be used both for physical objects and situations.

  • The roughness of the road made the ride uncomfortable.
  • He could feel the roughness of the unpolished wood.
storminess

Refers to the quality or state of being stormy, usually related to weather but can also describe a turbulent situation.

  • The storminess of the weather made it dangerous to sail.
  • The storminess of their relationship caused a lot of stress.
violence

Describes extreme force or aggressive action, usually with a negative connotation. Often used in the context of physical harm or conflict.

  • The violence of the storm caused widespread damage.
  • He was shocked by the violence he witnessed in the street fight.
turbulence

Often used to describe chaotic or unstable conditions, especially in the air during a flight or in water. Can also be used metaphorically for situations.

  • We experienced severe turbulence during the flight.
  • The company went through a period of financial turbulence.

Examples of usage

  • The roughness of the weather forced the cancellation of the outdoor event.
  • The roughness of the sea made sailing dangerous.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, roughness can affect how surfaces interact, influencing things like friction and wear between materials.
  • Roughness is measured in engineering with specific parameters, affecting the strength and durability of materials.

Art

  • Artists often use rough textures to evoke feelings of ruggedness or strength in their works, influencing the emotional response of viewers.
  • In sculpture, roughness can be intentional, making pieces feel more raw and organic, connecting viewers to the material.

Psychology

  • Research shows that people often associate rough textures with certain emotions, like harshness or intensity, affecting our perceptions.
  • The tactile experience of rough surfaces can influence mood and behavior, as people may feel more anxious in environments with excessive roughness.

Pop Culture

  • In music, the term can describe a raw vocal style that conveys emotion, sometimes associated with genres like grunge or rock.
  • Films featuring characters facing rough environments often symbolize life's challenges, using roughness to represent resilience.

Origin of 'roughness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'roughness' comes from the Old English 'ruh', which means coarse or not smooth.
  • In Middle English, it was spelled 'roughe', still retaining the original meaning of being uneven or harsh.

The word 'roughness' dates back to the Middle English period, derived from the Old English word 'ruh', meaning 'rough'. Over time, the suffix '-ness' was added to create the noun form indicating the quality or state of being rough. The concept of roughness has been used to describe various aspects of texture, behavior, and weather conditions throughout history, reflecting the diverse nature of the word.

See also: rough, roughage, roughly, roughneck.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,229, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.