hoarse
UK[hɔːs]US[hɔːrs]
adj
(of a voice) sounding rough and harsh, typically as the result of a sore throat or of shouting.
Etymology
the word 'hoarse' has a direct lineage from old english, where 'hās' described a rough or dry sound. it shares a common proto-germanic ancestor 'haisa-' with related words in other germanic languages, such as old norse 'háss'. this root likely originated from a proto-indo-european base meaning 'to be dry' or 'rough,' conceptually linking the physical condition of the throat to the quality of the voice. over time, the spelling evolved, notably gaining an 'r' in the late middle english period, likely by association with other adjectives like 'coarse,' though the two words are etymologically distinct. its meaning has remained remarkably consistent, always describing a voice impaired by strain or illness.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the middle english 'hos', which came from old english 'hās'. its ultimate origin is proto-germanic 'haisa-', meaning 'hoarse'.
Examples
after cheering at the concert all night, her voice was hoarse the next morning.
he could only speak in a hoarse whisper because of his severe cold.
the teacher's lecture became increasingly hoarse as the day went on.