Abrasive is a term that is commonly used in the English language, but not everyone is familiar with its meaning and usage. Abrasive is a word that is often associated with roughness, harshness, and abrasion. In this article, we will explore the meaning of abrasive, its origin, and its various associations.
Definitions
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, abrasive is defined as “causing damage, wear, or removal of surface material by grinding or rubbing.” It can also refer to a substance that is used for grinding, polishing, or smoothing surfaces.
Origin
The word abrasive comes from the Latin word “abrasivus,” which means “wearing away.” The first recorded use of the word in English dates back to the 17th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The Oxford English Dictionary defines abrasive as “tending to abrade or wear away by friction.” The Cambridge English Dictionary defines it as “causing damage or wear by rubbing, grinding, or scraping.”
Associations
When we think of abrasive, we often associate it with roughness, harshness, and abrasion. It can also be associated with the idea of being abrasive in one’s personality, meaning that someone is rough or harsh in their manner of speaking or interacting with others.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for abrasive include rough, harsh, abrasive, scratchy, and grating.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for abrasive include smooth, gentle, soft, and silky.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as abrasive include abrade, abrasion, and abrasive.
Example Sentences
- The sandpaper was very abrasive and quickly removed the rough edges of the wood.
- His abrasive personality made it difficult for him to make friends.
- The chef used an abrasive sponge to scrub the burnt food off the bottom of the pan.
- The rough terrain was too abrasive for the tires on the bicycle.
- The teacher’s abrasive tone made the students feel uncomfortable.