harsh

The word "harsh" is an adjective that means something is rough or difficult.

• Winter brings harsh weather to the midwest.
• The cold, harsh air stings your fingers.
• Harsh driving conditions during the snowstorm kept many people off of the roads.
• The teacher had some harsh words for the misbehaving students.
• Afterwards, she felt bad about the harsh comments she had made.
• Some alcoholic drinks such as whiskey have kind of a harsh taste.
• Some fluorescent lamps throw off a harsh, bright light.
• The two-year prison sentence given to the teenager who was stealing cars seemed harsh. (sentence = punishment with time spent in prison)

To form a noun, add "ness" to the end of "harsh."

• The harshness of the weather forced the family to move to a warmer place.
• Everyone was shocked by the harshness of the punishment.

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February 6, 2013