adj.
Pronunciation: ' ko ̇ rs
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: coars · er ; coars · est
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>
– coarse · ly adverb
– coarse · ness 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>.