Word
coarse
US/ˈkɔɹs/
UK/kˈɔːs/
Definitions
01rough texture
B1 · Intermediate
adj. having a rough or uneven surface; not smooth to the touch.
adj. having a rough or harsh texture; not smooth or fine in consistency.
“The jacket was made of a coarse wool that felt scratchy against his skin.”
“The artisan preferred working with coarse linen, valuing the tactile quality and durability that more refined fabrics often lacked.”
02large particles
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. made of large pieces or grains rather than a fine powder.
adj. consisting of large particles or grains; granular in composition.
“The recipe calls for coarse salt to be sprinkled over the top of the bread.”
“The geologist noted that the coarse sand found near the riverbank indicated a high-energy environment where smaller particles had been washed away.”
03rude or unrefined
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. rude, impolite, or using bad language.
adj. lacking refinement, taste, or delicacy; often applied to vulgar language or manners.
“He was embarrassed by his friend's coarse jokes at the formal dinner.”
“The critic dismissed the play as coarse, arguing that its reliance on toilet humour overshadowed the otherwise clever plot.”
Antonyms
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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