harsh

Everyday

1. Cruel, unkind or too strict: «a harsh punishment», «harsh words». tree →
2. Very difficult to live in: «a harsh winter», «a harsh desert». tree →
3. Unpleasant to the senses: too loud, bright or rough: «harsh light», «a harsh voice». tree →
4. (slang) Unfair or a bit mean: «That's harsh, mate!» tree →

In the lessons

In stories harsh weather and harsh rulers make life hard for characters. In science lessons «harsh environments» like deserts and the Arctic show how animals adapt. In everyday kid talk «harsh!» means «that's unfair». Phrases: «harsh conditions», «harsh reality», «harsh words», «be harsh on someone».

Examples

• The punishment was too harsh for such a small mistake. tree →
• Polar bears live in a harsh climate. tree →
• The harsh light hurt my eyes. tree →
• Don't be so harsh on your little brother. tree →
• «You got detention for that? Harsh!» tree →
• The coach's harsh words made him cry. tree →
• Camels can survive harsh desert conditions. tree →
• Fionn’s brother, Cairell Whiteskin, broke into the conversation with a harsh laugh. tree →

Note

Regular comparison: harsher, harshest. Noun: harshness. Opposites: gentle, mild, soft. Spelling: one s, then h.

In Jewish tradition

Describes the hard, rough way of those who betray what is right.

Interpretation. Proverbs teaches that wisdom brings grace while betrayal leads to hard trouble.

Examples

• Good understanding giveth grace; but the way of the faithless is harsh. (Writings PRO.13.15, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular comparison: harsher, harshest. Noun: harshness. Opposites: gentle, mild, soft. Spelling: one s, then h.