grind
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for grind, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To crush or wear something down into smaller pieces through friction, such as grinding coffee beans.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use grind
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English grindan, going back to a Proto-Germanic root simply meaning "to grind" — the "hard, repetitive work" sense developed much later as a figurative extension.
Full origin of grind →Frequently asked questions
What does “grind” mean?
The word “grind” means to crush or wear something down into smaller pieces through friction, such as grinding coffee beans. In plain terms, to crush something into smaller bits, or to put in sustained, exhausting effort.
How do you pronounce “grind”?
“Grind” is pronounced GRYND (/ˈɡɹaɪnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “grind” in a sentence?
Here is “grind” used in a sentence: “He's been grinding away at his thesis for months.”
What part of speech is “grind”?
Depending on how it is used, “grind” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “grind” come from?
The word “grind” comes from Old English. From Old English grindan, going back to a Proto-Germanic root simply meaning "to grind" — the "hard, repetitive work" sense developed much later as a figurative extension.
Is “grind” a common word?
“Grind” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “grind” have?
“Grind” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to crush or wear something down into smaller pieces through friction, such as grinding coffee beans.
What is the difference between 'grind' and 'crush'?
To 'grind' is to wear something down into smaller pieces through friction, usually producing a powder, as with coffee beans. To 'crush' is to press or squeeze something out of shape, often flattening it, without necessarily reducing it to particles. Grinding involves rubbing; crushing involves pressure.
What is the difference between 'grind' and 'mince'?
Both reduce food into small pieces, but 'grind' wears material down through friction into particles or powder, while 'mince' chops it into very small bits, as with minced meat. American English often says meat is 'ground', whereas British English tends to say 'minced'.