Confusing Words: Course (noun/verb) and Coarse (adjective)
Meaning:
Course (the route or direction followed by a ship, aircraft, road, or river.)
Coarse (rough or harsh in texture.)
Course vs Coarse Clarification: Course and coarse are homophones that cannot be interchangeable.
Course vs Coarse – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
There is just one-letter difference between course and coarse. As I said above that course and coarse are homophones. It means that they sound same but they are different in terms of meaning, function and spelling. So, it is very important to keep them apart because they are not interchangeable, let us define these terms one by one.
Course
Course can be used as a noun or a verb within a sentence. It is used to refer a schedule of study in a particular subject; the path or route for vehicles or water; a dish or a menu item.
As a verb, it means to flow (of something, especially liquid) quickly.
1. At yesterday’s dinner, I was anxiously waiting for the main course. (noun)
2. The course of the water coming from the nearest dam can be harmful for the crops. (noun)
3. I have started a new course that is related to literature. (noun)
4. I felt sorry when I saw her tears coursing down her cheeks. (verb)
Coarse
Coarse is used as an adjective within a sentence. It is used to refer a texture which is not smooth and is rough, hairy, scratchy or harsh.
1. You must do a home remedy to make your coarse skin soft and smooth.
2. I feel good when I walk on the coarse sand of beach.
Coarse can be used figuratively. In this way, it is used to refer a very rude and ill-mannered person or his/her speech.
1. Our head is too coarse in his speech that forces me to leave the job.
2. Only very coarse persons wanted wars. (Pearl S. Buck)
Check Out: The Difference Between Advise and Advice.
What Did You Learn?
Course and coarse are homophones that cannot be interchangeable. They are totally different in terms of meaning and function. So, it is important to keep them apart. Course is used as a verb or a noun. It has a variety of meanings. The most common is the flow of something quickly. Coarse, on the other hand, is used as an adjective. It means rough or scratchy.