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Added 9 October 2026

coarse

/kɔːs/ adjective

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about coarse at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

With a rough texture; not smooth.
Composed of large particles.
coarse sand
Lacking refinement, taste or delicacy.
coarse manners

Origin

Adjectival use of course that diverged in spelling in the 18th century. The sense developed from '(following) the usual course' (cf. of course) to 'ordinary, common' to 'lacking refinement', with 'not fine, granular' arising from its application to cloth. Compare the development of mean.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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