Brushing: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for gentle or routine cleaning activities, often where precision and care are needed. Typically involves the use of a brush.

• Brushing your teeth daily helps maintain oral hygiene
• The artist is careful when brushing dust off the fragile painting

General term used for removing dirt or unwanted substances from surfaces or items. It is a broad term and can apply to many different types of activities.

• I spend every Saturday morning cleaning the house
• Regular cleaning of electronic devices helps them last longer

Refers to vigorous cleaning, often involving the use of a brush or similar tool and typically used for removing tough dirt or grime. This word can imply a more strenuous effort compared to brushing and cleaning.

• She was scrubbing the kitchen floor for an hour to remove the stains
• The old pots needed a lot of scrubbing to get them clean

Used when the goal is to make a surface smooth and shiny by rubbing it, often with a cloth and polish substance. It implies a more detailed and finishing touch.

• I spend a lot of time polishing the silverware before the dinner party
• After the car wash, the vehicle needed a good polishing to look its best

When referring to the act of using a brush to smooth or clean hair, teeth, or other surfaces.

• She spends five minutes brushing her hair every morning.
• After eating, don't forget the importance of brushing your teeth.

Used in the context of maintaining personal hygiene or taking care of appearance. It can also refer to caring for animals' coats.

• Grooming is an important part of a pet owner's routine.
• She spent the morning grooming herself for the big event.

When talking about using a comb to untangle or arrange hair.

• He was busy combing his hair before the interview.
• Combing your hair regularly can help prevent knots.

When referring to arranging or designing hair in a particular way.

• She enjoys styling her hair in different ways for different occasions.
• The salon offers hair cutting and styling services.

Used for removing dust, dirt, or small particles from a surface with a brush. It can also apply to personal grooming like brushing hair or teeth.

• She is brushing her hair before going out
• He was brushing dust off the old book

Often refers to the act of applying paint to a surface, typically for artistic, decorative, or protective purposes. Can also be metaphorical, implying the creation of a vivid image or picture in someone’s mind.

• She enjoys painting landscapes in her free time
• They are painting the walls of their new house

Best for situations where a substance or effort is being put onto a surface or towards a goal. Often used in contexts like applying lotion, applying for a job, or applying pressure.

• She is applying sunscreen before heading to the beach
• He is applying for the manager position at the company

Used when covering a surface with a layer of a substance. This could be paint, glaze, or even chocolate. It implies creating a protective or decorative layer.

• The car was coated with a special protective film
• The baker is coating the cake with chocolate

This seems to be a repetition. Refer to the first entry for the appropriate context and examples.

• Please see the first entry for examples.

A general term for making something free from dirt, marks, or stains. Can be used broadly in various situations, from personal hygiene to household chores.

• She will clean the kitchen after dinner.
• We need to clean the car before the trip.

Used when referring to cleaning by rubbing something hard, often requiring significant effort. Usually associated with surfaces that have stubborn dirt or stains.

• He needs to scrub the bathtub to remove the soap scum.
• She is scrubbing the floor with a brush.

Typically used to refer to cleaning a floor or surface using a broom to collect dust, dirt, and debris. Can also be used metaphorically to describe clearing away in a broader sense.

• She needs to sweep the kitchen floor before guests arrive.
• He will sweep the fallen leaves from the driveway.