crass 🔊
Meaning of crass
Lacking sensitivity, refinement, or intelligence; grossly vulgar or unsophisticated.
Key Difference
While 'crass' refers to a blatant lack of subtlety or tact, its synonyms may vary in intensity, context, or connotation.
Example of crass
- His crass remarks during the funeral offended everyone present.
- The politician's crass behavior on live television cost him public support.
Synonyms
coarse 🔊
Meaning of coarse
Rough or harsh in texture or manner; lacking refinement.
Key Difference
'Coarse' often describes physical roughness, whereas 'crass' is more about behavior or speech.
Example of coarse
- The comedian's coarse jokes were met with mixed reactions.
- Sandpaper is intentionally coarse to smooth surfaces.
vulgar 🔊
Meaning of vulgar
Lacking sophistication or good taste; unrefined.
Key Difference
'Vulgar' can imply offensiveness in taste, while 'crass' suggests insensitivity.
Example of vulgar
- Her vulgar display of wealth at the charity event was criticized.
- Shakespeare often used vulgar humor to appeal to common audiences.
boorish 🔊
Meaning of boorish
Rude or insensitive in a socially awkward way.
Key Difference
'Boorish' implies clumsiness in social settings, while 'crass' is more about deliberate insensitivity.
Example of boorish
- His boorish interruption of the speaker was embarrassing.
- The guest's boorish table manners made others uncomfortable.
tactless 🔊
Meaning of tactless
Lacking consideration for others' feelings; blunt.
Key Difference
'Tactless' focuses on social unawareness, while 'crass' implies a stronger lack of refinement.
Example of tactless
- Her tactless comment about his weight ruined the mood.
- Diplomats must avoid tactless remarks during negotiations.
obtuse 🔊
Meaning of obtuse
Slow to understand; intentionally insensitive.
Key Difference
'Obtuse' can imply stupidity, while 'crass' is more about overt rudeness.
Example of obtuse
- His obtuse refusal to acknowledge the issue frustrated everyone.
- The manager's obtuse response to complaints worsened the situation.
insensitive 🔊
Meaning of insensitive
Unaware or indifferent to others' feelings.
Key Difference
'Insensitive' is broader, while 'crass' specifically denotes vulgarity.
Example of insensitive
- The CEO's insensitive remarks about layoffs caused outrage.
- It was insensitive to joke about the recent tragedy.
uncouth 🔊
Meaning of uncouth
Lacking good manners or polish.
Key Difference
'Uncouth' suggests awkwardness, while 'crass' implies deliberate rudeness.
Example of uncouth
- His uncouth behavior at the gala shocked the elite crowd.
- The uncouth language in the meeting was unprofessional.
gross 🔊
Meaning of gross
Glaringly obvious or repulsive.
Key Difference
'Gross' often refers to physical disgust, while 'crass' is behavioral.
Example of gross
- The movie's gross humor appealed only to teenagers.
- The gross negligence of the authorities led to the disaster.
indelicate 🔊
Meaning of indelicate
Lacking propriety or refinement.
Key Difference
'Indelicate' is milder, while 'crass' is more blatantly offensive.
Example of indelicate
- Her indelicate question about his salary made him uncomfortable.
- The indelicate handling of the situation worsened tensions.
Conclusion
- 'Crass' is best used when describing blatant insensitivity or vulgarity, especially in social or professional contexts.
- 'Coarse' works well when referring to rough textures or unrefined language without malice.
- 'Vulgar' is fitting for describing tasteless displays or offensive behavior tied to low refinement.
- 'Boorish' should be used when highlighting socially awkward rudeness rather than intentional offensiveness.
- 'Tactless' applies to unintentional social blunders, unlike 'crass,' which is more deliberate.
- 'Obtuse' is ideal when describing willful ignorance or slow comprehension.
- 'Insensitive' covers a broader range of unawareness, while 'crass' is more specific.
- 'Uncouth' describes awkwardness in manners, unlike 'crass,' which is outright vulgar.
- 'Gross' is better for physical disgust, while 'crass' pertains to behavior.
- 'Indelicate' is a softer alternative for minor breaches of propriety.