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Definition of coarse

coarse

/kɔːrs/
coarse
Adverb:coarsely
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coarse Lexical Profile

coarse Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Rough or harsh in texture, or consisting of large, loose particles rather than fine ones.

Example

"The baker sprinkled coarse sea salt over the warm pretzel dough before placing it in the oven."

2

Rude, crude, or vulgar in speech, manners, or behavior.

Example

"His coarse jokes at the formal dinner table made several of the guests visibly uncomfortable."

3

Of a person's facial features, rough, heavy, or lacking delicacy.

Example

"The portrait depicted a weathered sailor with coarse features and deep-set eyes."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for coarse
Antonyms
View all antonyms for coarse

Word Nuance & Usage

Frequently confused with its homophone 'course'; 'coarse' is exclusively an adjective meaning rough, large-grained, or vulgar, whereas 'course' refers to a path, educational class, or sequence.

• Rhymes for coarse

• Nearby Words

coannex
coari
coari river
coarse
coarsely
coarsen
coarseness

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in the 15th century as a spelling variant of the noun 'course', it evolved from the phrase 'of course' (meaning 'customary' or 'ordinary') to describe rough, common cloth and eventually anything lacking fineness or refinement.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Coarse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/coarse
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