coarse

/kɔːs/ (bre, ipa) · /kɔːrs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkȯrs/ (ame, mw)

coarse — adjective

  • coarsepositive
  • coarsercomparative
  • coarsestsuperlative

1. having a rough feel or being made of noticeably large pieces instead of fine one

1.形容詞B2
釋義

having a rough feel or being made of noticeably large pieces instead of fine ones

例句

The towel felt coarse after too many trips through the hot dryer.

be + coarse for rough texture

We spread coarse salt over the path to melt the winter ice.

collocation: coarse salt

同義詞
  • rough

    the broad everyday word for an uneven feel or surface

  • grainy

    focuses on many small visible particles rather than a harsh touch

  • abrasive

    stronger and often suggests rubbing that can scratch

反義詞
  • smooth

    having an even surface with no roughness

  • fine

    made of small particles or delicate strands

  • soft

    pleasant to touch rather than rough

文法句型

coarse + noun

be + coarse

用法筆記

Often used for cloth, hair, paper, salt, sand, and similar materials. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense describes texture or particle size, while sense 3 judges overall quality or finish.

常見錯誤

❌The baby has coarse skin after the bath.
✅The baby has rough skin after the bath.
💡'coarse' usually describes materials, hair, or grains rather than delicate human skin.
❌Use coarse flour for a smooth cake.
✅Use fine flour for a smooth cake.
💡'coarse' means the particles are larger, not smoother.

2. showing bad taste by being openly rude, dirty, or likely to shock people

2.形容詞B2
釋義

showing bad taste by being openly rude, dirty, or likely to shock people

例句

The comedian was dropped from the school show for his coarse jokes.

common object: coarse jokes

Her uncle made a coarse remark about the waitress at dinner.

同義詞
  • crude

    close in meaning, often stressing lack of refinement or polish

  • vulgar

    more formal and often stronger in judging bad taste

  • obscene

    narrower, usually for sexual language or images

反義詞
  • polite

    showing respect and good manners

  • refined

    showing good taste and social polish

  • decent

    not offensive in language or behaviour

文法句型

coarse + noun

be + coarse

用法筆記

Common with words like language, joke, remark, humour, or behaviour. It often suggests vulgarity or dirty-mindedness as well as simple rudeness.

常見錯誤

❌Her reply was coarse because it was short.
✅Her reply was blunt.
💡'coarse' suggests rude or dirty language, not just a brief answer.
❌The film is coarse because it has a sad ending.
✅The film is coarse because it uses offensive jokes.
💡'coarse' is about bad taste or vulgarity, not sadness.

3. cheap-looking or poorly made in a way that suggests little value

3.形容詞B2
釋義

cheap-looking or poorly made in a way that suggests little value

例句

The market stall sold coarse cloth that looked cheap beside the silk.

quality judgment: coarse cloth

The souvenir shop sold coarse pottery with a dull, uneven finish.

同義詞
  • inferior

    focuses on lower standard or worth

  • cheap

    can refer to price alone, while 'coarse' judges the poor finish

  • crude

    often suggests something unfinished or lacking skill

反義詞
  • fine

    showing high quality or delicate finish

  • refined

    carefully made and showing good taste

  • high-quality

    general opposite for better standard and value

文法句型

coarse + noun

be + coarse

用法筆記

Usually used for things such as cloth, paper, workmanship, or food when the speaker is judging them as poor or unrefined. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about value or finish, not simply rough touch.

常見錯誤

❌This phone is coarse because it feels heavy.
✅This phone seems coarse because the finish looks cheap and badly made.
💡this sense judges quality, not weight.
❌The silk scarf is coarse because it is expensive.
✅The scarf looks coarse because the fabric seems cheap and uneven.
💡'coarse' here means low in quality or finish.