harshen

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Explanation of the Word "Harshen"

Definition:
The verb "harshen" means to make something harsh or to make it harsher. When we say something is "harsh," we usually mean that it is severe, unpleasant, or rough in some way.

Advanced Usage:

• You can use "harshen" in both literal and figurative contexts. For example, you might talk about how a difficult experience could harshen someone's personality or outlook on life.

Word Variants:

• Harsh (adjective): Describing something that is unpleasantly rough or severe (e.g., "The harsh winter was difficult for many people.")
• Harshness (noun): The quality of being harsh (e.g., "The harshness of the climate affected the crops.")

Different Meanings:

• While "harshen" primarily focuses on making something harsh, it can also imply increasing discomfort or difficulty in a situation.

Synonyms:

• Make harsher
• Intensify
• Aggravate
• Deteriorate

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "To harsh someone's mellow": This informal idiom means to spoil someone's enjoyment or happiness. For example, "Don't harsh my mellow by talking about work right now."
• There aren't specific phrasal verbs directly related to "harshen," but phrases like "turn up the heat" can imply making a situation more intense or uncomfortable.

Summary:

"Harshen" is a verb used to indicate making something harsher or more severe. It can be applied in various contexts, both literally with weather or situations and figuratively with emotions or attitudes.

Academic

Verb

1. make harsh or harsher
   • Winter harshened the look of the city