harsh

• Qualifie quelque chose de désagréablement rude, sévère ou cruel envers les sens ou les sentiments.

Describes something that is unpleasantly rough, severe, or cruel to the senses or feelings.

1. Unpleasantly rough or severeB1formal

   Describes something that is rough, severe, or unpleasant to the senses, especially touch, taste, or sound.

   Âpre, rude, sévère

   • The harsh winter wind made it difficult to walk.
   • The fabric felt harsh against her skin.
   • The harsh sound of the alarm woke everyone up.

   Synonymesabrasiveacridbittercoarsediscordantgratingjarringraucousroughscratchyseverestrident

   Antonymesgentlekindmildpleasantsmoothsofttender

2. Cruel or unkindB1formal

   Describes a person, action, or comment that is severe, critical, or lacking in kindness.

   Dur, sévère

   • The teacher's harsh criticism upset the student.
   • He received a harsh punishment for his mistake.
   • Her harsh words left him feeling hurt.

   Synonymesbrutalcallouscruelhardmeanruthlessseverespitefulsternunkind

   Antonymesbenevolentcompassionategentlekindlenientmercifulmildtender

3. Severe or extremeB2formal

   Describes conditions or situations that are very difficult, extreme, or demanding.

   Sévère ou extrême

   • The prisoners lived in harsh conditions.
   • The company faced harsh economic realities.
   • The desert climate is known for its harsh temperatures.

   Synonymesausterebrutaldemandingdifficultextremehardinclementrigorousseveretough

   Antonymeseasyelementgentlelenientmildtolerant