English Explanatory Dictionary

coarse

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. With a rough texture; not smooth.
  2. Composed of large particles.
  3. Lacking refinement, taste or delicacy.
  4. Unrefined.
  5. Of inferior quality.

Pronunciation

kôs /kɔːs/ kôrs /kɔɹs/ [kʰo̞ɹs] kōrs /ko(ː)ɹs/ /koəs/ en-us-coarse.ogg

Word forms

coarse coarser coarsest

Etymology

Adjectival use of course that diverged in spelling in the 18th century. The sense developed from '(following) the usual course' (cf. of course) to 'ordinary, common' to 'lacking refinement', with 'not fine, granular' arising from its application to cloth. Compare the development of mean.

Synonyms

rough rude uncouth blunt unpolished inelegant indelicate vulgar gritty obscene crass earthy thick sharp hard

Antonyms

fine

Derived words

coarse fish coarse-grained coarse-graining coarsehanded coarse-handed coarsely coarsen coarseness coarsish coarsy uncoarse
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