- coarse
- adjective
(coarser; coarsest)
Etymology: Middle English cors, perhaps from course, noun
Date: 14th century
1. of ordinary or inferior quality or value ; common
2.
a.
(1) composed of relatively large parts or particles <coarse sand> (2) loose or rough in texture <coarse cloth> b. adjusted or designed for heavy, fast, or less delicate work <a coarse saw with large teeth> c. not precise or detailed with respect to adjustment or discrimination 3. crude or unrefined in taste, manners, or language 4. harsh, raucous, or rough in tone 5. chiefly British of or relating to coarse fish <coarse fishing> • coarsely adverb • coarseness noun Synonyms: coarse, vulgar, gross, obscene, ribald mean offensive to good taste or morals. coarse implies roughness, rudeness, or crudeness of spirit, behavior, or language <found the coarse humor of coworkers offensive>. vulgar often implies boorishness or ill-breeding <a loud vulgar belch>. gross implies extreme coarseness and insensitiveness <gross eating habits>. obscene applies to anything strongly repulsive to the sense of decency and propriety especially in sexual matters <obscene language not allowed on the air>. ribald applies to what is amusingly or picturesquely vulgar or irreverent or mildly indecent <entertained the campers with ribald folk songs>.
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.