coarsen

/'kɔ:sn/

Friendly

Word: Coarsen

Part of Speech: Verb

Basic Definition: To "coarsen" means to make something less fine, smooth, or delicate. It can refer to both physical things, like surfaces, and abstract ideas, like feelings or thoughts.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "coarsen" when discussing how something becomes rougher or less refined over time or through certain actions.
• It often implies a negative change, suggesting a loss of quality or sophistication.

Examples:

1. Physical Use: "The rough sandpaper will coarsen the wood's surface."
2. Abstract Use: "As he spent more time with negative influences, his kindness began to coarsen."

Advanced Usage:

• In literature or discussions about culture, "coarsen" can be used to describe how society or individuals might lose their sensitivity or depth in understanding complex issues. For example: "The constant exposure to violence in media can coarsen our perceptions of reality."

Word Variants:

• Coarse (adjective): Describes something that is rough or not fine. For example, "The coarse fabric was uncomfortable to wear."
• Coarseness (noun): The state of being coarse or rough. For example, "The coarseness of the sandpaper made it ideal for heavy sanding."

Different Meanings:

• While "coarsen" typically means to make something rough or less refined, it can also imply a moral or intellectual decline, such as becoming less sensitive or thoughtful.

Synonyms:

• Roughen
• Abrade
• Deteriorate
• Vulgarize (in the context of making something less refined)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly using "coarsen," but you might encounter phrases like "coarsen one's ideals," which implies that someone's beliefs or values are becoming less sophisticated or noble.

Summary:

"Coarsen" is a verb that indicates the process of making something rougher or less refined, whether it's a physical object or an abstract concept like ideals or thoughts.

Academic

Verb

1. make less subtle or refined
   • coarsen one's ideals
2. make or become coarse or coarser
   • coarsen the surface
   • Their minds coarsened