Harsh

Pronunciation: /hɑːrʃ/

Definitions of harsh

adjective adjective describes a noun or pronoun by giving more information about their qualities, characteristics, or features. In this case, 'harsh' describes something that is severe, rough, or unpleasant.

Example Sentences

A1 The teacher scolded the student for being late in a harsh manner.

A2 The weather in the desert can be very harsh during the day.

B1 The company has received harsh criticism for their unethical business practices.

B2 The judge handed down a harsh sentence to the criminal for his violent actions.

C1 The harsh reality of the situation is that we may not be able to save the company from bankruptcy.

C2 The harsh conditions of the prison made it difficult for the inmates to survive.

Examples of harsh in a Sentence

formal The judge gave a harsh sentence to the criminal.

informal My mom can be pretty harsh when I don't clean my room.

slang The teacher's grading was so harsh, I barely passed the test.

figurative The harsh reality of the situation hit me hard.

Grammatical Forms of harsh

• past tense: harshed
• plural: harshes
• comparative: harsher
• superlative: harshest
• present tense: harsh
• future tense: will harsh
• perfect tense: have harshed
• continuous tense: is harshing
• singular: harsh
• positive degree: harsh
• infinitive: to harsh
• gerund: harshing
• participle: harshed

Origin and Evolution of harsh

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'harsh' originated from the Old English word 'hiersc' which meant rough or severe.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'harsh' has retained its original meaning of being rough or severe, but has also come to be used in a broader sense to describe anything that is unpleasant or unkind.