crass - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
crass Word Meanings
- coarse or crude in manner or style
- lacking sensitivity or refinement
- blatantly obvious or vulgar
crass Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
crass Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kræs/
US
/kræs/
crass Word Etymology
Root decomposition: from 'crassus' (Latin, meaning 'thick, coarse') → Old French → Middle English. Historical origin: The term evolved from Latin, through Old French into English. Memory image: Imagine a thick, heavy layer of mud lacking any refinement or grace, representing something crude and coarse.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Crass describes behavior or style that is blunt, crude, or lacking refinement, often showing poor taste. It can refer to jokes, remarks, or marketing that are deliberately shocking or vulgar, without consideration for others’ sensibilities. In everyday use, crass implies a failure to respect nuance, tact, or social propriety, even if someone intends to be funny or bold.
Usage Reminders
- Remember crass conveys tasteless bluntness, not mere bluntness; avoid in formal settings; distinguish from rude; often applied to content, jokes, or ads; use milder terms when diplomacy is needed.
Common Misconceptions
- Not the same as rude; crass emphasizes tastelessness, not mere impoliteness
- It is not always about being crude or vulgar in every context
- It can target content, jokes, or behavior, not only people
- Sometimes crass content aims for shock value, not humor
- Similar words like blunt, coarse, or vulgar have different intensities
Thinking Differences
English speakers tend to use crass for clearly tasteless behavior or content, stronger than rude; learners often misplace it on everyday blunt remarks.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: crass joke, crass remark, crass display
- Compare with rude, tasteless, vulgar to gauge intensity
- Note contexts where it appears in media critiques
- Practice replacing crass with milder terms in polite conversation
- Watch tone: crass often targets content, not a person
- Record examples to avoid overuse in writing
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'crass'?
A.Intelligent or clever
B.Rude or insensitive
C.Tall or short
D.Happy or sad
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'crass' correctly?
A.She was crass when she prepared for the exam.
B.His crass behavior at the formal dinner made everyone uncomfortable.
C.The weather was crass during our picnic.
D.He crassly painted the fence bright pink.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'crass'?
A.Vulgar
B.Genuine
C.Thoughtful
D.Elegant
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'crass'?
A.Polite
B.Nasty
C.Rude
D.Direct
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might be described as crass?
A.A teacher encouraged her students to ask questions respectfully.
B.At a formal event, everyone admired her elegant dress.
C.During a polite conversation, someone made a harsh joke that offended others.
D.The audience clapped for the impressive presentation.
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