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Meaning of harshness
The state of being harsh or severe
Etymology of harshness
The word "harshness" originates from the Old English word "heorsh" or "hærsh", which is also related to the Old Norse word "hǫr", both meaning "rough" or "coarse"
The word has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe something or someone as being rough, coarse, or unkind
Synonyms
severity
cruelty
brutality
roughness
coarseness
hardness
sternness
austerity
rigidity
strictness
toughness
asperity
acrimony
bitterness
causticity
abrasiveness
gruffness
irascibility
testiness
crankiness
cantankerousness
peevishness
fractiousness
querulousness
disputatiousness
contentiousness
pugnacity
truculence
intractability
Definitions
- The quality of being unpleasantly rough or coarse
- * The quality of being unkind or severe
Usage Examples
- The harshness of the judge's sentence shocked the defendant
- * The harshness of the winter weather made it difficult to travel
- * The harshness of her tone made it clear she was not interested in discussing the matter further
Antonyms
gentleness
kindness
softness
mildness
leniency
clemency
benevolence
compassion
tenderness
warmth
amiability
affability
cordiality
geniality
pleasantness
agreeableness
suavity
urbanity
courtesy
politeness
tactfulness
thoughtfulness
considerateness