Definitions and Examples of harsher, rougher, crueler
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
More severe or strict in nature, action, or behavior.
Example
The teacher's harsher grading policy made it difficult for students to get good grades.
Less smooth or gentle in texture, surface, or movement.
Example
The boat ride became rougher as the wind picked up and the waves grew larger.
Showing a lack of empathy or compassion; causing pain or suffering intentionally.
Example
The crueler kids at school bullied the new student and made fun of their accent.
Key Differences: harsher vs rougher vs crueler
- 1Harsher implies a more severe or strict nature in action or behavior.
- 2Rougher describes a less smooth or gentle texture, surface, or movement.
- 3Crueler suggests a lack of empathy or compassion, causing intentional pain or suffering.
Effective Usage of harsher, rougher, crueler
- 1Describing Actions: Use these antonyms to describe different degrees of intensity or severity in actions or behaviors.
- 2Describing Textures: Use gentler and rougher to describe different textures or surfaces.
- 3Expressing Empathy: Use gentler to express empathy or kindness, and crueler to condemn cruel or hurtful behavior.
Remember this!
The antonyms of gentler have distinct nuances: Harsher implies a more severe or strict nature, rougher describes a less smooth or gentle texture, and crueler suggests a lack of empathy or compassion. Use these words to describe different degrees of intensity or severity in actions or behaviors, textures, or surfaces. Also, use them to express empathy or kindness, or to condemn cruel or hurtful behavior.
