harsh

/hɑ:ʃ/

Thân thiện

The judge delivered a harsh sentence to the defendant.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Severe, cruel, or unkind: Describing something or someone that is unpleasantly rough, strict, or lacking in gentleness.
   • Unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses: Describing something physically rough in texture, or unpleasantly strong, bright, loud, or bitter in taste, sound, light, or flavor.
   • Extremely difficult and demanding: Describing conditions or environments that are very tough and unforgiving.

Usage and Examples

• Describing severity or cruelty:
  • The judge gave a harsh sentence to the criminal.
  • She received harsh criticism for her mistake.
• Describing rough physical qualities:
  • The fabric had a harsh, scratchy texture.
  • The harsh desert sun made travel difficult.
• Describing unpleasant sounds or tastes:
  • The teacher's voice was harsh and grating.
  • The medicine had a harsh, bitter flavor.

Advanced Usage

• "to be harsh on/with someone": To treat someone with excessive severity or criticism.
  • Don't be too harsh on yourself; everyone makes errors.
• "harsh reality/truth": An unpleasant fact that is difficult to accept.
  • The harsh reality is that we cannot afford a new car right now.

Variants and Related Words

• Harshly (adverb): In a severe, cruel, or rough manner.
  • He spoke harshly to the employee.
• Harshness (noun): The quality of being severe, rough, or unpleasant.
  • The harshness of the winter surprised them.

Synonyms

• Severe: Very intense or strict.
• Abrasive: Causing irritation or roughness, often in manner.
• Coarse: Rough in texture or manner.
• Bitter: Having a sharp, unpleasant taste; also used metaphorically for feelings.

Antonyms

• Gentle: Mild, kind, or soft.
• Smooth: Having an even, regular surface; free from difficulties.
• Pleasant: Giving a sense of happy satisfaction or enjoyment.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Harsh words: Critical or unkind statements.
  • They exchanged harsh words during the argument.
• Harsh conditions: Very difficult and demanding physical circumstances.
  • The explorers survived in harsh conditions for weeks.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. sharply disagreeable; rigorous
   • the harsh facts of court delays
   • an abrasive character
2. severe
   • a harsh penalty
3. unkind or cruel or uncivil
   • had harsh words
   • a harsh and unlovable old tyrant
   • a rough answer
4. of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
   • coarse meal
   • coarse sand
   • a coarse weave
5. disagreeable to the senses
   • the harsh cry of a blue jay
   • harsh cognac
   • the harsh white light makes you screw up your eyes
   • harsh irritating smoke filled the hallway
6. unpleasantly stern
   • wild and harsh country full of hot sand and cactus
   • the nomad life is rough and hazardous

Từ đồng nghĩa

• abrasive
• rough
• coarse