coarse

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
  2. adjective lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
  3. adjective of low or inferior quality or value; - Shakespeare

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

harsh

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