- Total
- “Total” is a common synonym for “gross” when referring to the sum of all parts before any deductions are made. For example, in a business context, the “gross revenue” is the total amount of money a company has earned from its sales or services, without subtracting any costs such as production expenses, salaries, or taxes. Similarly, we can talk about “total revenue,” which means the same thing - the overall amount of income before any deductions.
- However, “total” has a broader usage in general language. It can refer to the entire quantity or amount of something in various contexts, not just in a financial sense. For example, “the total number of students in the school” simply refers to the complete count of students. In contrast, “gross” is more commonly used in specific financial, commercial, or measurement - related contexts to denote the amount before deductions.
- Repulsive
- When “gross” is used to describe something that evokes a strong sense of disgust or revulsion, “repulsive” serves as an excellent synonym. For instance, if you see a plate of half - eaten food that has been sitting out for days, covered in flies, you might say, “That's gross!” The same sentiment can be expressed using “repulsive,” as in “That's repulsive!”
- Both words convey a similar emotional response to something that is unappealing, often due to its physical appearance, smell, or texture. However, “repulsive” might carry a slightly stronger connotation of extreme disgust. It can also be used in a more figurative sense, for example, to describe a person's immoral behavior as “repulsive,” while “gross” is less commonly used in such highly figurative moral - judgment contexts.
- Coarse
- “Coarse” can be considered a synonym for “gross” in the sense of something being rough, not fine - textured, or lacking refinement. For example, when referring to a fabric, if it has a rough and uneven texture, you could say it has a “gross” or “coarse” texture. In this context, both words describe the physical nature of the fabric's surface.
- Similarly, in the context of speech or language, if someone uses vulgar, unrefined, or rough - edged language, it can be described as “gross” or “coarse.” For instance, a person who frequently uses swear words in inappropriate settings might be said to have a “gross” or “coarse” way of speaking. However, “coarse” is perhaps more commonly used in descriptions related to physical materials and textures, as well as in more straightforward descriptions of unrefined behavior or language. “Gross” in these contexts might be a bit more colloquial or used in less - formal speech or writing.
These synonyms for “gross” each capture different aspects of the word's meaning, depending on whether it is used in a financial, emotional, or descriptive context. Understanding these nuances allows for more precise and effective communication in various situations.