coarse Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
    harsh.
    • coarse meal
    • coarse sand
    • a coarse weave
  2. adjective satellite lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
    rough-cut; uncouth; vulgar; common.
    • he had coarse manners but a first-rate mind
    • behavior that branded him as common
    • an untutored and uncouth human being
    • an uncouth soldier--a real tough guy
    • appealing to the vulgar taste for violence
    • the vulgar display of the newly rich
  3. adjective satellite of low or inferior quality or value
    common.
    • of what coarse metal ye are molded"- Shakespeare
    • produced...the common cloths used by the poorer population

WordNet

Coarse adjective
Etymology
As this word was anciently written course, or cours, it may be an abbreviation of of course, in the common manner of proceeding, common, and hence, homely, made for common domestic use, plain, rude, rough, gross, e. g., "Though the threads be course." Gascoigne. See Course.
Wordforms
comparative Coarser ; superlative Coarsest
Definitions
  1. Large in bulk, or composed of large parts or particles; of inferior quality or appearance; not fine in material or close in texture; gross; thick; rough; -- opposed to fine; as, coarse sand; coarse thread; coarse cloth; coarse bread.
  2. Not refined; rough; rude; unpolished; gross; indelicate; as, coarse manners; coarse language.
    I feel Of what coarse metal ye are molded. Shak.
    To copy, in my coarse English, his beautiful expressions. Dryden.
    Syn. -- Large; thick; rough; gross; blunt; uncouth; unpolished; inelegant; indelicate; vulgar.

Webster 1913