Those age groups are too coarse for a careful study.
The dog has a short, coarse coat.
Similar words
gritty
approximate
rough
indecent
vulgar
rough
grainy
offensive
abrasive
harsh
Meanings
Rough or large-grained
adjective
physical
neutral
Rough to the touch, harsh in texture, or made up of relatively large pieces.
Examples
The path was covered with coarse gravel.
Rub the surface first with coarse sandpaper.
The bread was topped with coarse sea salt.
His coat was made from thick, coarse wool.
The dog has a short, coarse coat.
The flour was too coarse for a light cake.
Similar words
rough
grainy
gritty
abrasive
granular
harsh
Rude or vulgar
adjective
communication
neutral
Rude, crude, or offensive, especially in language, jokes, manners, or humor.
Examples
The film was criticized for its coarse language.
His coarse jokes made the guests uncomfortable.
She disliked the actor's coarse humor.
The letter sounded angry and coarse.
They asked him to stop using coarse expressions around children.
The character is funny, but his manners are deliberately coarse.
Similar words
vulgar
crude
rude
offensive
indecent
uncouth
Rough rather than exact
adjective
general
neutral
Lacking fine detail, precision, careful finish, or subtle distinction.
Examples
The first map gave only a coarse view of the terrain.
A coarse estimate is enough for planning the budget.
The microscope has separate controls for coarse and fine adjustment.
Those age groups are too coarse for a careful study.
The early model used a coarse grid to save time.
The carving was powerful but coarse in its finish.
Similar words
rough
approximate
broad
crude
inexact
undetailed
Etymology
From Middle English cors or course, first used for something ordinary or inferior. Its origin is uncertain, but dictionaries connect it possibly with course and note that the modern spelling separated from course later.
FAQ
What does coarse mean?
It usually means rough, large-grained, crude, vulgar, or lacking fine detail.
What is the difference between coarse and course?
Coarse is an adjective meaning rough or crude. Course is usually a noun for a route, class, or part of a meal, or a verb meaning move in a direction.
Can coarse describe food?
Yes. Coarse salt, coarse crumbs, and coarse meal are made of relatively large pieces.
Can coarse describe speech?
Yes. Coarse language, jokes, or manners are rude, crude, or offensive.
What is the opposite of coarse?
Common opposites include fine, smooth, polished, refined, and precise, depending on the sense.
Is coarse always negative?
No. In phrases like coarse salt or coarse sand, it is a neutral description of size or texture.
Comments & contributions
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