Abrasion is a term that refers to the process of wearing away a surface by rubbing or scraping it. Abrasiveness, on the other hand, is the quality of being rough, harsh or abrasive. It is a term that is commonly used to describe people who are difficult to deal with or who have a confrontational attitude. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of abrasiveness, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Abrasiveness can be defined as the quality of being rough or harsh, or the tendency to cause irritation or annoyance. It is a term that is often used to describe people who are difficult to deal with, or who have a confrontational attitude. In the context of materials, abrasiveness refers to the ability of a material to wear away another material by rubbing against it.
Origin
The word ‘abrasiveness’ comes from the Latin word ‘abrasio’, which means ‘a scraping away’. The term has been in use since the 17th century, and was originally used to describe the process of scraping or rubbing away a surface. Over time, the term has come to be used more broadly to describe the quality of being rough or harsh.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of abrasiveness can vary slightly depending on the dictionary consulted. In the Oxford English Dictionary, abrasiveness is defined as “the quality of being rough or harsh”. In Merriam-Webster, it is defined as “the quality or state of being abrasive”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the quality of being rough or unpleasant to deal with”.
Associations
The term abrasiveness is often associated with negative qualities such as hostility, aggression, and rudeness. People who are described as abrasive are often seen as difficult to work with, and may have a tendency to provoke conflict or create tension in social situations.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for abrasiveness include roughness, harshness, coarseness, and gruffness. These terms all describe qualities that are similar to abrasiveness, and may be used interchangeably in certain contexts.
Antonyms
The antonyms of abrasiveness include gentleness, kindness, and amiability. These terms describe qualities that are opposite to abrasiveness, and may be used to describe people who are easy to work with, or who have a pleasant disposition.
The same root words
The root word of abrasiveness is ‘abrasion’, which refers to the process of wearing away a surface by rubbing or scraping it. Other words that share this root include abrasive, abrade, and abrasion-resistant.
Example Sentences
- His abrasiveness made it difficult for him to work with others.
- The rough texture of the sandpaper gave it a high level of abrasiveness.
- Her abrasive personality was a major source of conflict in the workplace.
- The abrasiveness of the road caused the tires on his car to wear out quickly.
- Despite his abrasiveness, he was respected for his honesty and integrity.