coarse
[kawrs, kohrs]
- composed of relatively large parts or particles: The beach had rough, coarse sand.
- lacking in fineness or delicacy of texture, structure, etc.: The stiff, coarse fabric irritated her skin.
- harsh; grating.
- lacking delicacy, taste, or refinement; unpolished: He had coarse manners but an absolutely first-rate mind.
- of inferior or faulty quality; common; base.
- vulgar; obscene; crude: His coarse language angered us.
- (of metals) unrefined.
- (of a metal file) having the maximum commercial grade of coarseness.
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Origin of coarse
First recorded in 1550–60; earlier cors(e), course, cowarce; of obscure origin
Synonyms
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
rudelyharshlycrudelybluntlyroughlycoarselyloudlysharplybarbarouslybrazenlycontemptuouslycrasslycurtlydisrespectfullyindecentlyindecorouslyinsolentlysassilysnootilytactlesslycoarse
- rough in texture, structure, etc; not finecoarse sand
- lacking refinement or taste; indelicate; vulgarcoarse jokes
- of inferior quality; not pure or choice
- (of a metal) not refined
- (of a screw) having widely spaced threads
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Word Origin
C14: of unknown origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for coarsely
coarse
adj.
early 15c., cors "ordinary" (modern spelling is from late 16c.), probably adjectival use of noun cours (see course (n.)), originally referring to rough cloth for ordinary wear. Developed a sense of "rude" c.1500 and "obscene" by 1711. Perhaps related, via metathesis, to French gros, which had a similar sense development. Related: Coarsely; coarseness.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper