The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

coarse

IPA:

Dictionary definition of coarse

Having a rough, uneven, or gritty texture or surface.
"The coarse sandpaper was perfect for smoothing rough surfaces."

Detailed meaning of coarse

When something is coarse, it lacks smoothness or refinement. It is often characterized by visible or tangible particles, irregularities, or a tactile roughness. Coarse can be used to describe materials, such as coarse sand, gravel, or rough fabrics. It can also refer to the texture or quality of an object, such as coarse hair or coarse-grained wood. Additionally, 'coarse' can be used metaphorically to describe something that lacks refinement, delicacy, or sensitivity in terms of language, manners, or behavior. It implies a lack of sophistication or subtlety. Overall, the adjective 'coarse' emphasizes a sense of roughness, unevenness, or lack of refinement in physical or metaphorical aspects.

Example sentences containing coarse

1. His voice had a coarse quality, making it sound rough and gravelly.
2. The coarse texture of the fabric irritated her sensitive skin.
3. The recipe called for coarse salt to add a crunchy texture to the dish.
4. The dog's coat was thick and coarse to the touch.
5. The coarse-grained wood had a rugged and rustic appearance.
6. She disliked the coarse language used by some of her coworkers.

History and etymology of coarse

The adjective 'coarse' can be traced back to the Old English word 'cors,' which meant 'rough' or 'common.' This Old English term itself likely originated from the Proto-Germanic word 'kursaz,' indicating something that is rough or not finely made. The concept of coarseness is closely linked to the idea of something being rough, uneven, or lacking refinement, and this notion has persisted throughout the word's linguistic evolution. As 'coarse' transitioned through Middle English and into modern usage, it continued to embody the qualities of roughness and lack of fine detail, describing textures or surfaces that are gritty, uneven, or not smooth. Understanding the etymology of 'coarse' reveals its historical association with the physical characteristics it describes today.

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Further usage examples of coarse

1. The hiker wore thick socks to protect his feet from the coarse rocks.
2. The artist used a coarse brush to create bold and textured strokes on the canvas.
3. The coarse gravel on the path made it challenging to walk without proper footwear.
4. The chef used coarse pepper to add a robust flavor to the steak.
5. The coarse threads of the rope provided a strong and sturdy grip.
6. The coarse sandpaper smoothed the rough edges.
7. Her hands felt the coarse texture of the burlap.
8. The road was uneven and covered in coarse gravel.
9. He winced as the coarse fabric scratched his skin.
10. The painting depicted the coarse beauty of nature.
11. The old book's pages had a coarse, yellowed appearance.
12. The chef used coarse salt to season the dish.
13. His voice had a coarse quality after shouting.
14. The trail became increasingly coarse and rocky.
15. The artist used a coarse brush for bold strokes.
16. She wore a coarse sweater to stay warm.
17. The rope had a coarse, frayed end.
18. The dog's coat was coarse and wiry.
19. The wood had a coarse grain pattern.
20. The conversation took a coarse and unpleasant turn.
21. He noticed the coarse texture of the tree bark.
22. The road's surface was coarse and potholed.
23. The sandpaper smoothed the coarse wood.
24. The cookies had a coarse, sugary crust.
25. The fabric's coarse weave made it durable.