Meaning & Definition of word "Harshness"
Harshness
/ˈhɑːrʃnəs/
noun:
- 1. The quality of being rough, severe, or unpleasant in nature or treatment.
- Example: The harshness of the winter made it difficult for the townsfolk to survive.
- 2. A lack of softness or gentleness; severity.
- Example: The harshness of his criticism left her feeling demoralized.
- 3. The quality of being unkind or cruel.
- Example: The harshness of the punishment was debated by the community.
- 4. A roughness of sound or texture.
- Example: The harshness of the music was intentional, conveying the artist's emotional turmoil.
Etymology
●Middle English, from harsh + -ness
Common Phrases and Expressions
harsh reality:
An unpleasant truth that one must face.
harsh criticism:
Very severe or unkind feedback.
harsh environment:
A setting that is difficult to live in due to extreme conditions.
Related Words
harsh:
Unpleasantly rough or severe.
harshly:
In a severe or cruel way.
harshnesses:
Plural form of harshness.
Slang Meanings of harshness
Meaning: Tough love
● Example Sentence: Sometimes a bit of harshness is just tough love.
Meaning: Go hard or go home
● Example Sentence: His approach to coaching was all about harshness; it was go hard or go home.