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Coarsening - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Coarsening refers to the process of becoming rough, harsh, or less refined. It can describe physical textures, behavior, or language that grows more crude or unpolished over time.

coarsening

/ˈkɔrsənɪŋ/ /ˈkɔːsənɪŋ/

Definition:

The process of becoming rough or less refined in texture or quality.

Synonyms:

roughening, hardening, thickening, degrading

Part of Speech:

noun, verb (gerund)

Antonyms:

refining, smoothing

Common Collocations:

grain coarsening, material coarsening, structural coarsening

Derivatives:

coarse, coarsely, coarsen

Usage Tips:

Use "coarsening" to describe physical textures or behaviors becoming less refined over time.

Common Phrases:

grain coarsening effect, social coarsening, cultural coarsening

Etymology:

Derived from "coarse," from Middle English "cors," meaning rough or ordinary.

Examples:

  • 1. The fabric showed signs of coarsening after repeated washes.
  • 2. Over time, his manners underwent a noticeable coarsening.
  • 3. Heat treatment can lead to the coarsening of metal grains.
  • 4. The artist avoided the coarsening of details in her delicate sketches.

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