Scabrous: meaning, definitions and examples

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scabrous

 

[ ˈskæb.rəs ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

surface quality

Scabrous refers to a rough or scabby surface. It can also describe something that is scandalous, indecent, or obscenely curious in nature.

Synonyms

indecent, obscene, rough, scabby

Examples of usage

  • The scabrous bark of the tree was difficult to touch.
  • His scabrous jokes made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The scabrous condition of the road made driving hazardous.
Context #2 | Adjective

moral quality

In a moral context, scabrous is used to describe something that is scandalous or indecent, often in a way that elicits shock or distaste.

Synonyms

disgraceful, scandalous, shocking

Examples of usage

  • The novel was filled with scabrous tales of forbidden love.
  • The politician faced backlash for his scabrous behavior.
  • She avoided scabrous topics in polite company.

Translations

Translations of the word "scabrous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 áspero

🇮🇳 खुरदुरा

🇩🇪 rau

🇮🇩 kasar

🇺🇦 шорсткий

🇵🇱 szorstki

🇯🇵 ざらざらした

🇫🇷 rugueux

🇪🇸 áspero

🇹🇷 kaba

🇰🇷 거친

🇸🇦 خشنة

🇨🇿 drsný

🇸🇰 drsný

🇨🇳 粗糙的

🇸🇮 groba

🇮🇸 grófur

🇰🇿 қатал

🇬🇪 ზურგის

🇦🇿 xırdalı

🇲🇽 áspero

Etymology

The word 'scabrous' originated in the late 15th century, deriving from the Latin term 'scabrosus,' meaning 'rough, scabby,' which itself comes from 'scabies,' referring to a skin disease characterized by itching and irritation. The term evolved to encompass not only descriptions of physical surfaces but also to convey a sense of moral or social offensiveness. Over centuries, 'scabrous' has been utilized in both literary and everyday language to articulate an array of meanings, often emphasizing an unpleasantness or unease in both texture and morality. Its application in various contexts reflects the versatility of the word, allowing it to fit into descriptions of art, behavior, and environments that invoke discomfort or provoke thought.