What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coarseness
Example
The coarseness of the sandpaper made it difficult to achieve a smooth finish. [coarseness: noun]
Example
His coarseness in speaking offended many people at the party. [coarseness: noun]
crudeness
Example
The crudeness of the oil painting gave it a raw and unfinished look. [crudeness: noun]
Example
His crude jokes made everyone uncomfortable during the meeting. [crude: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Coarseness is more commonly used than crudeness in everyday language. Coarseness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while crudeness is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coarseness and crudeness?
Both coarseness and crudeness are generally considered informal and may be seen as impolite or offensive in formal settings. However, coarseness can also be used in a more neutral or descriptive sense, making it slightly more versatile in terms of formality.
