Definition

To make something rough or less smooth in texture.

Example

The artist decided to coarsen the surface of the canvas to create a more textured effect.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think the weather will really coarsen the wood if we leave it outside.

Yeah, I agree. It might ruin the finish we just applied.

Maybe we should find a better place to store it then.

Definitely! Keeping it indoors will help preserve it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coarsen → It is formed from "coarse" (from Old French *cors*, meaning rough or crude) and "-en" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating to make or become). The word "coarsen" means to make something rough or less refined.

Memory Tip

Think of something becoming 'rough' or 'crude' ('coarse') when it is 'made' or 'turned into' that state ('-en').

Visually Confused Words