coarse
/kɔːrs/
Coarse describes something rough in texture or lacking refinement in behavior, both derived from the idea of being thick or bulky.
Examples
- Coarse sand made the beach feel gritty underfoot.
- The chef preferred coarse salt for the finishing touch.
- The movie contained coarse language not suitable for children.
- They criticized the coarse treatment of the subject.
- The road was covered in coarse gravel.
Meanings
The sense of rough texture developed in the 14th century from the idea of something thick or bulky.
Examples
- Coarse sand made the beach feel gritty underfoot.
- The chef preferred coarse salt for the finishing touch.
- His handwriting was coarse, with uneven strokes.
- A coarse fabric can irritate sensitive skin.
- The road was covered in coarse gravel.
The figurative sense of unrefined behavior emerged in the early modern period as a metaphor from the physical texture meaning.
Examples
- His jokes were coarse, offending many listeners.
- The movie contained coarse language not suitable for children.
- She avoided coarse jokes at the formal dinner.
- The comedian's coarse humor divided the audience.
- They criticized the coarse treatment of the subject.