Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Rough Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒŠ
Add to dictionary

rough

[rสŒf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

surface

Having an uneven or irregular surface; not smooth or level.

Synonyms

coarse, irregular, uneven.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rough

Used to describe a surface that is not smooth or situations that are difficult.

  • The tree bark felt rough under my fingers.
  • It was a rough day at work.
uneven

Used to describe a surface that is not level or consistent; often refers to ground or distribution.

  • The path was uneven, making it hard to walk.
  • The paint job on the wall was uneven with patches of missed spots.
irregular

Used to describe something that does not follow a regular pattern or symmetry; often refers to shapes, schedules, or actions.

  • His heartbeat was irregular.
  • The tiles were laid in an irregular pattern.
coarse

Used to describe a texture that is harsh and not fine; often refers to materials or manners.

  • The sandpaper has a very coarse texture.
  • She was offended by his coarse language.

Examples of usage

  • The rough texture of the tree bark
  • The rough pavement made it difficult to walk
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

Not gentle or tender in manner or behavior.

Synonyms

harsh, rude, unpleasant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rough

This term is generally used to describe something that is uneven or not smooth in texture or surface. It can also refer to challenging or difficult situations.

  • The surface of the road was very rough.
  • It was a rough year for the company.
harsh

This word is often applied to conditions that are extremely severe or critics that are very stern. It can describe environments, weather, criticism, or even tones of voice.

  • The judge was very harsh in his sentencing.
  • He has a harsh tone when he speaks.
unpleasant

This term is used to describe experiences or situations that cause discomfort or are not enjoyable. It has a negative connotation.

  • The smell in the room was very unpleasant.
  • She had an unpleasant experience at the dentist.
rude

Usually used to describe someone's behavior that is impolite or offensive. It has a negative connotation.

  • It was rude of him to interrupt the conversation.
  • She made a rude remark about his appearance.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke to her in a rough tone
  • The rough treatment of the prisoners
Context #3 | Noun

sea

A part of the sea where the waves are very violent.

Synonyms

choppy, stormy, turbulent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
rough

This term is often used to describe uneven or challenging surfaces, conditions, or experiences. It can be applied to physical textures or to situations that are difficult or unpleasant.

  • The road is rough, so drive carefully.
  • He had a rough day at work.
stormy

This is best used when describing weather conditions that include storms, strong winds, heavy rain, or thunder. It can also describe a situation that is emotionally charged or tumultuous.

  • We stayed indoors because the weather was stormy.
  • Their relationship has been stormy lately, with lots of arguments.
turbulent

This word is often used for describing intense, chaotic, or unstable situations, such as weather conditions, water, air travel, or emotions. It generally conveys a sense of strong and unpredictable movement.

  • The airplane experienced turbulent conditions during the flight.
  • It was a turbulent period in the country's history.
choppy

This word is typically used when describing water that is not smooth but instead has many small waves or interruptions. It may also describe something that is inconsistent or jerky.

  • The sea was choppy, making it hard for the boat to stabilize.
  • The video was choppy due to poor internet connection.

Examples of usage

  • The ship was in trouble in the rough

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Art and Literature

  • Artists often use the term to describe textures in paintings, where uneven surfaces can create depth and interest.
  • Many poets use 'rough' to symbolize struggle or adversity, portraying life's challenges vividly with it.
  • Authors may describe character's actions as 'rough' to indicate a lack of finesse, indicating raw emotion or strength.

Everyday Usage

  • In sports, 'rough' can describe a player who plays aggressively or lacks gentleness.
  • In the construction industry, 'rough' can define unfinished surfaces, like a 'rough cut' piece of wood.
  • People often refer to 'rough weather' to describe storms or harsh conditions outdoors.

Science

  • In geology, rough surfaces of rocks may indicate their formation through erosion over millions of years.
  • Studying the roughness of materials can help scientists understand their durability and interactions.
  • In physics, rough surfaces can create more friction, impacting how objects move against each other.

Psychology

  • The term can evoke emotions associated with difficulty or toughness, which may influence our responses to stress.
  • When talking about relationships, 'rough patches' can refer to times when things donโ€™t go smoothly.
  • People often prefer 'rough' experiences like adventure, as they tend to foster growth and resilience.

Origin of 'rough'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'ruh', meaning 'rough' or 'uneven'.
  • In its history, this term has been used in various forms across languages like German ('rau') and Latin ('rugosus').
  • The pronunciation has changed over time, but the meaning has remained similar since ancient times.

The word 'rough' originated from Middle English 'roughe', which in turn came from Old English 'ruh', meaning hairy or shaggy. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the current definitions related to surface, behavior, and the sea.

See also: roughage, roughly, roughneck, roughness.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,888, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.