Dictionary monolingual
English
Harsh
hɑrʃ
Common
~ 4100
~ 4100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Harsh -
Severe or strict in manner or attitude
Example: The teacher's harsh criticism made the students feel discouraged.
Usage: formalContext: academic or professional settings
Note: Used to describe someone who is overly critical or stern
Unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses
Example: The harsh winter wind cut through their jackets.
Usage: neutralContext: describing weather or environmental conditions
Note: Refers to something that is physically uncomfortable or abrasive
Unpleasantly loud and grating
Example: The harsh sound of the alarm clock woke him up abruptly.
Usage: neutralContext: describing sounds or noises
Note: Can also refer to something that is piercing or shrill
Unkind, cruel, or brutal
Example: His harsh words left her feeling hurt and upset.
Usage: neutralContext: interpersonal relationships or conflicts
Note: Used to describe actions or words that cause emotional pain
Harsh's synonyms
severe
Severe means very harsh or strict in manner or attitude.
Example: The severe punishment for the crime shocked everyone.
Note: While both 'harsh' and 'severe' can indicate a high level of intensity, 'severe' often implies a more serious or extreme situation.
stern
Stern refers to being serious and strict, especially in a way that is not friendly.
Example: The teacher gave a stern warning to the misbehaving students.
Note: While both 'harsh' and 'stern' suggest a strict or serious approach, 'stern' can also imply a sense of authority or disapproval.
rigorous
Rigorous means extremely thorough, strict, or demanding.
Example: The company has rigorous quality control procedures in place.
Note: While 'harsh' can imply a lack of consideration for feelings, 'rigorous' focuses more on being thorough and demanding in a systematic way.
austere
Austere describes something that is simple, plain, and without any decorations, often suggesting a strict or severe way of living.
Example: The austere living conditions in the refugee camp were challenging.
Note: While 'harsh' can refer to a rough or unpleasant manner, 'austere' specifically relates to simplicity and lack of luxury or comfort.
Harsh expressions, common phrases
harsh criticism
Strong and severe disapproval or judgment towards someone or something.
Example: He received harsh criticism for his performance in the play.
Note: The word 'harsh' on its own describes something rough or severe, while 'harsh criticism' specifically refers to severe disapproval.
harsh reality
A difficult, unpleasant, or unyielding truth or fact that cannot be avoided.
Example: Facing the harsh reality of unemployment, she started looking for new job opportunities.
Note: While 'harsh' generally means severe, 'harsh reality' emphasizes the tough and unchangeable nature of a situation.
harsh conditions
Difficult, severe, or unfavorable circumstances under which something has to function or survive.
Example: The farmers struggled to grow crops in the harsh conditions of the desert.
Note: Refers to the tough circumstances or environment in which something operates, emphasizing the challenging nature of the conditions.
harsh words
Cruel, unkind, or severe language that can hurt or offend someone.
Example: After the argument, she regretted using such harsh words towards her friend.
Note: While 'harsh' alone denotes roughness, 'harsh words' specifically highlights the impact of unkind or cruel language.
harsh treatment
Severe or cruel behavior towards someone, often involving mistreatment or abuse.
Example: The prisoners complained about the harsh treatment they received from the guards.
Note: Refers to the severe and often unfair actions taken against someone, emphasizing the mistreatment aspect of the behavior.
harsh environment
An extremely challenging or hostile natural setting that is difficult to live or operate in.
Example: Polar bears have adapted to survive in the harsh environment of the Arctic.
Note: Describes an environment that is particularly tough, emphasizing the difficulty of living or functioning in such conditions.
harsh discipline
Strict, severe, or punitive methods used to control or correct behavior.
Example: Some parents believe in using harsh discipline to teach their children right from wrong.
Note: Refers to the strict and severe methods used to discipline someone, often implying a punitive or punishing approach.
Harsh everyday (slang) expressions
Rough
Rough is used to describe something unpleasant or harsh, especially in terms of language or behavior.
Example: His words were a bit rough, but he meant well.
Note: While 'rough' and 'harsh' can both describe something unpleasant, 'rough' often implies a lack of refinement or gentleness.
Brutal
Brutal is used to emphasize extreme harshness, severity, or violence.
Example: The competition was brutal, but he managed to come out on top.
Note: Unlike 'harsh', 'brutal' carries a stronger connotation of violence or extreme severity.
Tough
Tough can describe situations or decisions that are difficult, challenging, or harsh in nature.
Example: She had to make some tough decisions to survive in the industry.
Note: While 'tough' can overlap with 'harsh' in meaning, it often implies resilience or strength in dealing with challenges.
Cruel
Cruel describes actions or words that are deliberately unkind, harsh, or causing suffering.
Example: It was cruel of him to make fun of her like that.
Note: Unlike 'harsh', 'cruel' emphasizes a deliberate intent to cause harm or suffering.
Savage
Savage is used to describe something extremely harsh, brutal, or cutting, often in a humorous or exaggerated way.
Example: The comments she made were absolutely savage.
Note: In comparison to 'harsh', 'savage' often conveys a more intense, sometimes humorous, form of criticism or behavior.
Cutthroat
Cutthroat describes a harsh, ruthless, and fiercely competitive environment or situation.
Example: The corporate world can be very cutthroat, with everyone fighting to get ahead.
Note: Unlike 'harsh', 'cutthroat' specifically emphasizes the fierce competition and ruthless nature of a situation.
Harsh - Examples
The punishment was harsh.
She spoke in a harsh tone.
The reality of the situation was harsh.
Harsh grammar
Harsh - Adjective (Adjective) / Adjective (Adjective)
Lemma: harsh
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): harsher
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): harshest
Adjective (Adjective): harsh
Syllables, Separation and Stress
harsh Contains 1 syllables: harsh
Phonetic transcription: ˈhärsh
harsh , ˈhärsh (The red syllable is stressed)
Harsh - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
harsh: ~ 4100 (Common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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