harsh

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Unkind or severe in the way someone speaks or treats others.

   Grammar: Often followed by on: harsh on the players.

   Patterns

   • harsh on someone
   • harsh words

   The coach's harsh words made the team angry.

   She received a harsh punishment for a small mistake.

   That's a bit harsh; he did try his best.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Difficult or unpleasant to live in or endure, as of weather or conditions.

   Grammar: Used before nouns like winter, climate, or conditions.

   Patterns

   • harsh winter
   • harsh conditions

   Settlers faced a harsh winter with little food.

   Plants in the desert survive harsh conditions.

   The harsh climate keeps most people away.

3. 3adjectivecomparable

   Unpleasantly rough, bright, or loud to the senses.

   Grammar: Used for sounds, light, and chemicals: a harsh light.

   Patterns

   • harsh light
   • harsh voice

   The harsh light made me squint.

   He has a harsh voice that carries across the room.

   Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals on this surface.

Word forms

Common combinations

harsh criticism

The film received harsh criticism.

harsh reality

He faced the harsh reality of job loss.

harsh winter

A harsh winter killed many animals.

harsh light

The harsh light showed every flaw.

harsh on

Don't be so harsh on him.

Synonyms and how they differ

severe

Severe is more formal and stresses strictness or intensity, without the sense of unkindness.

cruel

Cruel means deliberately causing pain, which is stronger than harsh.

rough

Rough describes texture or treatment, but is milder and less moral.

Opposites

Word family

harshly adverb

in a harsh way

harshness noun

the quality of being harsh

Commonly confused: harsh or hash?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “harsh”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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