What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
raspiness
Example
His voice had a raspiness to it after he had been shouting all day. [raspiness: noun]
Example
The guitar solo had a raspy quality that added to the intensity of the song. [raspy: adjective]
harshness
Example
The harshness of the alarm clock woke me up abruptly. [harshness: noun]
Example
Her words were filled with harshness and criticism, making me feel small. [harsh: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Harshness is more commonly used than raspiness in everyday language. Harshness is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while raspiness is less common and refers to a specific type of sound.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between raspiness and harshness?
Both raspiness and harshness are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
