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 perfect for smoothing out the rough edges. [coarseness: noun]
Example
His coarseness in conversation was off-putting to many people. [coarseness: noun]
roughness
Example
The roughness of the tree bark made it difficult to climb. [roughness: noun]
Example
Her roughness in handling delicate objects often led to accidents. [roughness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Roughness is more commonly used than coarseness in everyday language. Roughness is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while coarseness is less common and tends to be more specific to certain situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coarseness and roughness?
Both coarseness and roughness can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, coarseness is often associated with a more informal or casual tone, especially when referring to crude or vulgar speech or behavior.
