How to pronounce coarse
Say it like KORS. Coarse is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce coarse. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KORS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Coarse pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KORSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of coarse
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAWS.
What does coarse mean?
- With a rough texture; not smooth.
- Composed of large particles.“coarse sand”
- Lacking refinement, taste or delicacy.“coarse manners”
Where does coarse come from?
Adjectival use of course that diverged in spelling in the 18th century.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with coarse
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of coarse.
Words that sound like coarse
- course
- 'course
Questions about saying coarse
How do you pronounce coarse?
Say KORS. The American pronunciation is /kɔrs/. In British English it is /kɔːs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in coarse?
Coarse is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: KORS.
Is coarse pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /kɔːs/ (KAWS).
What words sound the same as coarse?
Coarse sounds the same as course, 'course in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.