rag
0 antonyms and opposites of rag, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A worn or torn piece of old cloth, especially one used for cleaning.
How to use rag
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
"Rag" for a newspaper and "rag on someone" are both informal/slang uses.
Etymology
From Old English ragg, "a tuft" or "shagginess," related to Old Norse rǫgg — the same root that gives us "rug."
Full origin of rag →Frequently asked questions
What does “rag” mean?
The word “rag” means a worn or torn piece of old cloth, especially one used for cleaning. In plain terms, a scrap of old cloth — or, informally, a low-quality newspaper, or to gently mock someone.
How do you pronounce “rag”?
“Rag” is pronounced rag (/ɹæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “rag” in a sentence?
Here is “rag” used in a sentence: “He wiped the engine oil off his hands with an old rag.”
What part of speech is “rag”?
Depending on how it is used, “rag” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rag” come from?
The word “rag” comes from Old English. From Old English ragg, "a tuft" or "shagginess," related to Old Norse rǫgg — the same root that gives us "rug.".
Is “rag” a common word?
“Rag” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “rag” have?
“Rag” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a worn or torn piece of old cloth, especially one used for cleaning.
What is the difference between a rag and a cloth?
A rag is specifically a worn or torn piece of old cloth, often kept for cleaning purposes, while cloth is a general term for any woven or fabric material regardless of its condition. Not all cloth is a rag, but every rag is made of cloth.
Why is rag sometimes used as a disparaging word for a newspaper?
Rag is used informally and disparagingly to describe a newspaper seen as low quality, sensationalist, or unreliable, comparing it to a worthless scrap of old cloth. It's a dismissive term rather than a neutral description of a publication.
What does it mean to rag someone?
As an informal verb, to rag someone means to tease or mock them, usually in a good-natured or playful way rather than with genuine malice.