Grind Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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grind

[ɡraɪnd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

coffee making

Reduce (something) to small particles or powder by crushing it. Rub or cause to rub together gratingly. Make (a noisy, persistent, or cheerful sound).

Synonyms

crush, grate, pulverize, scrape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
grind	Typically used when reducing something to small particles or powder using a mill, grinder, or hands. Grind the coffee beans before brewing He needs to grind the spices for the recipe
crush	Used when breaking something into smaller pieces through force or pressure, often into coarse fragments or a paste. Crush the garlic cloves with the side of a knife She accidentally crushed the berries under her foot
pulverize	Descriptive of reducing to fine particles or powder, but with a focus on complete destruction, often used in more intense or figurative contexts. The machine can pulverize rocks into dust His argument completely pulverized their case
grate	Used specifically when shredding food into fine pieces using a grater. Grate the cheese over the pasta She needs to grate a carrot for the salad
scrape	Refers to removing or rasping something off a surface by rubbing with a sharp or rough tool. Scrape the frost off the car windows She had to scrape off the burnt bits from the pan

Examples of usage

The coffee beans are ground to a fine powder before brewing.
She ground her teeth in frustration.
The gears ground noisily against each other.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

skateboarding

A slide or skid across a surface, typically sideways.

Synonyms

scrape, skid, slide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
grind	Used informally to describe continuous hard work or effort. This could apply to physical labor or mental tasks. He has been grinding for weeks to meet the project deadline. The grind of daily workouts is starting to pay off.
slide	Usually refers to a smooth, controlled movement over a surface. It is often used in both literal and figurative contexts. The children love to slide down the hill in winter. He managed to slide the book across the table without anyone noticing.
skid	Commonly used to describe an uncontrollable slide, especially of a vehicle on a slippery surface. This term tends to have a negative or dangerous connotation. The car began to skid on the icy road. She skidded and fell while trying to stop quickly.
scrape	Often used when describing the action of dragging something rough or sharp across a surface, making a small cut or abrasion. Can also describe a challenging situation where minimal resources are used. He had to scrape the ice off the car windshield. They managed to scrape together just enough money for the trip.

Examples of usage

He performed a perfect grind along the rail.
She is practicing her grinds on the half-pipe.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

In modern slang, 'grind' refers to working hard, especially in the context of gaming or hustling in business.
Numerous hip-hop songs reference the 'grind' as a metaphor for perseverance and success.
The popular dance move called 'grinding' became famous in the late 1990s and early 2000s, often associated with close dancing.

Science

Grinding as a physical process transforms solid materials into powdered form, a practice important in fields like chemistry and material science.
The act of grinding can influence the chemical reactivity of substances by increasing their surface area.
In geology, grinding of rocks is a natural process that occurs due to weathering and erosion.

Psychology

The concept of 'grinding' in psychology connects to the notion of grit, which refers to passion and perseverance in achieving long-term goals.
Researchers discovered that a strong 'grind' mentality can lead to higher resilience and success in various life contexts.
In motivational contexts, focusing on the 'grind' can enhance an individual's sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Literature

In literature, grinding often symbolizes the relentless pursuit of goals, often depicted in stories about characters who overcome obstacles.
The theme of grinding through adversity has been prominent in classic works, echoing the human condition of struggle and perseverance.
Contemporary novels sometimes use 'grind' to describe the daily lives and struggles of modern characters, emphasizing the mundane yet essential work.

Origin of 'grind'

Main points about word origin

The word 'grind' comes from the Old English 'grindan,' which means to crush or to grind.
It has been used in English since before the 12th century, referring originally to the act of crushing grains.
Over time, the meaning of 'grind' expanded to include hard work or effort in various contexts.

The word 'grind' is believed to have originated from the Old English word 'grindan', meaning 'to crush into small particles'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to crushing, rubbing, or making noise. In modern usage, 'grind' is commonly associated with the act of grinding coffee beans or skateboard tricks.

See also: grinder, grinders, grinding, grindstone.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,248, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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12245 timed
12246 pony
12247 kilowatt
12248 grind
12249 affliction
12250 arrogance
12251 grate
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