abrasive
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.”
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.
When describing personality, abrasive is always negative — it means harsh and grating, not simply direct or confident.
Word forms
more abrasive comparative, abrasives plural, most abrasive superlative
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
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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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