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Definition of coarsen

coarsen

/ˈkɔːr.sən/
coars · en
Adverb:coarsely
•
Adjective:coarse
•
Past Simple:coarsened
•
Past Participle:coarsened
•
Present Participle:coarsening
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coarsen Lexical Profile

coarsen Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become rough, thick, or harsh in texture or appearance.

Example

"Years of working outdoors in the cold wind had begun to coarsen the skin on his hands."

2

To make or become crude, vulgar, or less sensitive in manners, language, or taste.

Example

"Critics argued that the rise of sensationalist media had helped to coarsen public discourse."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for coarsen

• Nearby Words

coari river
coarse
coarsely
coarsen
coarseness
coarsish
coast

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 19th century from the adjective 'coarse' (originally an adjectival use of the noun 'course' meaning ordinary or customary) combined with the verbal suffix '-en'.

Cite this Entry

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