rough
4 antonyms and opposites of rough, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Having an uneven or bumpy surface; not smooth.
Antonyms
How to use rough
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English rūh, "rough, hairy," from a Proto-Germanic root; related to German rau and Dutch ruig.
Full origin of rough →Frequently asked questions
What does “rough” mean?
The word “rough” means having an uneven or bumpy surface; not smooth. In plain terms, not smooth — used literally for surfaces and texture, and figuratively for approximate estimates, tough times, or unrefined/careless behaviour.
How do you pronounce “rough”?
“Rough” is pronounced ruhf (/ɹʌf/ in IPA).
How do you use “rough” in a sentence?
Here is “rough” used in a sentence: “The rough stone wall scraped her hand.”
What is another word for “rough”?
Words with a similar meaning to “rough” include abrasive, asperous, coarse, gimped, harsh and irregular.
What is the opposite of “rough”?
The opposite of “rough” — its antonyms — are even, polished, smooth and velvety.
What part of speech is “rough”?
Depending on how it is used, “rough” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rough” come from?
The word “rough” comes from Old English. From Old English rūh, "rough, hairy," from a Proto-Germanic root; related to German rau and Dutch ruig.
Is “rough” a common word?
“Rough” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between rough and ruff?
They sound alike but are unrelated. Rough is an adjective meaning uneven, coarse, or not smooth — a rough road, rough skin. Ruff is a noun: a stiff, frilled collar worn in Tudor times, a ring of feathers or fur around an animal's neck, or, in card games, playing a trump.
What is the opposite of rough?
For the surface meaning, the clear opposite is smooth — an even, unbroken texture with no bumps or grit. Depending on context, words like flat, polished, or sleek also work. A rough plank becomes smooth once sanded; a rough road is the opposite of a smooth, well-paved one.
What is an example of a rough surface?
Rough surfaces have texture you can feel. Sandpaper, tree bark, an unpaved gravel track, coarse stone, and dry, chapped skin are all rough. Running a hand over them catches and drags rather than gliding. The word can also stretch to a rough sea, where the water is choppy and uneven.
Does rough only describe texture?
No. Texture is the core sense, but rough has many others. It can mean difficult or unpleasant (a rough day), approximate (a rough estimate), violent or harsh (rough treatment), unfinished (a rough draft), or unwell (feeling rough). Context shows which is meant, though all share a feeling of being unpolished.