HARSH


Meaning of HARSH in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ hɑ:(r)ʃ ]

( harsher, harshest)

1.

Harsh climates or conditions are very difficult for people, animals, and plants to live in.

The weather grew harsh, chilly and unpredictable.

= severe

≠ mild

ADJ

• harsh‧ness

...the harshness of their living conditions.

= severity

N-UNCOUNT

2.

Harsh actions or speech are unkind and show no understanding or sympathy.

He said many harsh and unkind things about his opponents.

= cruel

ADJ

• harsh‧ly

She’s been told that her husband is being harshly treated in prison...

ADV : ADV with v

• harsh‧ness

...treating him with great harshness.

= severity

N-UNCOUNT

3.

Something that is harsh is so hard, bright, or rough that it seems unpleasant or harmful.

Tropical colours may look rather harsh in our dull northern light.

ADJ

• harsh‧ness

...as the wine ages, losing its bitter harshness.

N-UNCOUNT

4.

Harsh voices and sounds are ones that are rough and unpleasant to listen to.

It’s a pity she has such a loud harsh voice.

≠ soft, gentle

ADJ

• harsh‧ly

Chris laughed harshly.

ADV : ADV with v

• harsh‧ness

Then in a tone of abrupt harshness, he added, ‘Open these trunks!’.

N-UNCOUNT

5.

If you talk about harsh realities or facts, or the harsh truth, you are emphasizing that they are true or real, although they are unpleasant and people try to avoid thinking about them.

The harsh truth is that luck plays a big part in who will live or die.

= bitter

ADJ [ emphasis ]

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Английский словарь Коллинз COBUILD для изучающих язык на продвинутом уровне.