harsh
Adjective
Easy difficulty
What does “harsh” mean?
adjective.unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses.
SAT Usage
the term often appears in contexts related to criticism, nature, or social dynamics, emphasizing severity and unyielding conditions. It conveys a sense of intensity and can imply a lack of compassion or comfort, distinguishing it from milder terms like "stern" or "strict," which may not carry the same level of discomfort or severity.
Common Confusions
Harsh implies an unpleasant and severe quality, while stern usually suggests a serious demeanor that may not be as uncomfortable or unyielding.
Do not choose harsh if the context emphasizes gentleness or softness rather than being unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses.
Example Sentences
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The harsh criticism discouraged the new writer.
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Dude, you're harshing my buzz.
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The harsh sun made the hike miserable.