Abrasive: meaning, definitions and examples

🧼
Add to dictionary

abrasive

 

[ əˈbreɪ.sɪv ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

used to describe a person or their manner

showing little concern for the feelings of others; harsh

Synonyms

harsh, rude, unpleasant

Examples of usage

  • He was known for his abrasive manner of speaking.
  • The abrasive comments made her feel uncomfortable.
Context #2 | Noun

material used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning a hard surface

a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning hard surfaces

Synonyms

emery, grit, sandpaper

Examples of usage

  • The metal surface was smoothed using an abrasive.
  • She used an abrasive to clean the stubborn stains.

Translations

Translations of the word "abrasive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abrasivo

🇮🇳 घर्षणकारी

🇩🇪 schleifend

🇮🇩 abrasif

🇺🇦 абразивний

🇵🇱 ścierny

🇯🇵 研磨剤

🇫🇷 abrasif

🇪🇸 abrasivo

🇹🇷 aşındırıcı

🇰🇷 연마제

🇸🇦 كاشط

🇨🇿 abrazivní

🇸🇰 abrazívny

🇨🇳 磨料

🇸🇮 abraziven

🇮🇸 slípiefni

🇰🇿 абразив

🇬🇪 აბრაზივი

🇦🇿 abraziv

🇲🇽 abrasivo

Word origin

The word 'abrasive' comes from the Latin word 'abras-,' meaning 'rubbed off,' which is derived from the verb 'abradere,' meaning 'to scrape off.' The term was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe substances used for grinding or polishing. Over time, it also came to be used figuratively to describe people or their behavior as harsh or unpleasant.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,653, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.