harshness

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the roughness of a substance that causes abrasions
  2. noun the quality of being unpleasant (harsh or rough or grating) to the senses
  3. noun the quality of being cruel and causing tension or annoyance

Etymology

From Middle English harsknes; equivalent to harsh + -ness.

In classic literature

Synonyms

abrasiveness, scratchiness

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