(~er, ~est)
1.
Harsh climates or conditions are very difficult for people, animals, and plants to live in.
The weather grew ~, chilly and unpredictable.
= severe
? mild
ADJ
~ness
...the ~ness of their living conditions.
= severity
N-UNCOUNT
2.
Harsh actions or speech are unkind and show no understanding or sympathy.
He said many ~ and unkind things about his opponents.
= cruel
ADJ
~ly
She’s been told that her husband is being ~ly treated in prison...
ADV: ADV with v
~ness
...treating him with great ~ness.
= severity
N-UNCOUNT
3.
Something that is ~ is so hard, bright, or rough that it seems unpleasant or harmful.
Tropical colours may look rather ~ in our dull northern light.
ADJ
~ness
...as the wine ages, losing its bitter ~ness.
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 ~ voice.
? soft, gentle
ADJ
~ly
Chris laughed ~ly.
ADV: ADV with v
~ness
Then in a tone of abrupt ~ness, he added, ‘Open these trunks!’.
N-UNCOUNT
5.
If you talk about ~ realities or facts, or the ~ truth, you are emphasizing that they are true or real, although they are unpleasant and people try to avoid thinking about them.
The ~ truth is that luck plays a big part in who will live or die.
= bitter
ADJ emphasis