adj
Uncommon
abrasive
uh-BRAY-sihv
Abrasive (adj) means Rough enough to grind or wear away a surface through friction. Example: “The cleaning pad has an abrasive side for tough stains.”
adj
1
Rough enough to grind or wear away a surface through friction.
"The cleaning pad has an abrasive side for tough stains."
2
Harsh and unpleasantly blunt in manner, tending to irritate others.
"His abrasive management style drove several employees to quit."
"She softened her naturally abrasive tone during the interview."
noun
1
A substance, such as sandpaper or pumice, used for grinding, polishing, or smoothing.
"Use a fine abrasive to remove the old varnish."
How to use abrasive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither something physically rough enough to scrape a surface, or a person whose manner is unpleasantly harsh.
Common mistake
When describing personality, abrasive is always negative — it means harsh and grating, not simply direct or confident.
Common pairings
abrasive personality
abrasive manner
mildly abrasive
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Word forms
- Plural
- abrasives
- Comparative
- more abrasive
- Superlative
- most abrasive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The cleaning pad has an _____ side for tough stains.
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin abrasivus, built on the same root as "abrasion" and "abrade."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for abrasive
See all rhymes for abrasive →Frequently asked questions
What does “abrasive” mean?
The word “abrasive” means rough enough to grind or wear away a surface through friction. In plain terms, either something physically rough enough to scrape a surface, or a person whose manner is unpleasantly harsh.
How do you pronounce “abrasive”?
“Abrasive” is pronounced uh-BRAY-sihv (/əˈbɹeɪ.sɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “abrasive” in a sentence?
Here is “abrasive” used in a sentence: “The cleaning pad has an abrasive side for tough stains.”
What part of speech is “abrasive”?
Depending on how it is used, “abrasive” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “abrasive” come from?
The word “abrasive” comes from Medieval Latin. Borrowed from Medieval Latin abrasivus, built on the same root as "abrasion" and "abrade.".
Is “abrasive” a common word?
“Abrasive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “abrasive” have?
“Abrasive” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: rough enough to grind or wear away a surface through friction.
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