rough

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.

“Rough” is pronounced ruhf (/ɹʌf/ in IPA).

Here is “rough” used in a sentence: “The rough stone wall scraped her hand.”

Words with a similar meaning to “rough” include abrasive, asperous, coarse, gimped, harsh and irregular.

The opposite of “rough” — its antonyms — are even, polished, smooth and velvety.

Depending on how it is used, “rough” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.

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.

“Rough” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

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.

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.

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.

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.