abrasive (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Adjective

Phonetic Transcription

/əˈbreɪ.sɪv/

Meaning and Usage

The word "abrasive" describes a material or substance that has a rough surface or texture, capable of wearing away or grinding down softer materials through friction. In a figurative sense, it can also refer to a person's demeanor as being aggressive, harsh, or critical, which may cause discomfort or offense.

"abrasive" is used relatively frequently in both written and oral contexts, particularly in discussions about materials, manufacturing, or interpersonal relationships. It is more commonly found in written discussions, given its technical applications.

Example Sentences

1. The carpenter used an abrasive material to smooth out the rough edges of the wood.

2. Деревщик использовал абразивный материал, чтобы сгладить шероховатые края древесины.

3. Her abrasive comments during the meeting made it difficult for the team to collaborate effectively.

4. Ее абразивные комментарии во время встречи затруднили эффективное сотрудничество команды.

5. The cleaning product contains abrasive particles that help remove tough stains.

6. Чистящее средство содержит абразивные частицы, которые помогают удалять стойкие пятна.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "abrasive" itself is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions, its derivative concepts can be involved in phrases relating to personality or communication styles. Here are some examples that involve the idea of "abrasiveness" in context:

1. "He has a tendency to be a bit abrasive, especially when he’s under stress."

2. У него есть склонность быть немного абразивным, особенно когда он под давлением.

3. "Her abrasive nature often rubs people the wrong way."

4. Ее абразивный характер часто непременно раздражает людей.

5. "He can be quite abrasive in debate, which sometimes alienates his audience."

6. В дебатах он может быть довольно абразивным, что иногда отдаляет его аудиторию.

7. "Although his style is abrasive, he often gets to the point quickly."

8. Хотя его стиль абразивен, он часто быстро доходит до сути.

9. "Be careful; your abrasive remarks might hurt someone's feelings."

10. Будь осторожен; твои абразивные замечания могут обидеть кого-то.

11. "They found his abrasive tone off-putting during negotiations."

12. Они нашли его абразивный тон неприятным во время переговоров.

Etymology

The term "abrasive" originates from the Latin word "abrasivus," meaning "to scrape away." The root "abradere" translates to "to scrape off," which is a compound of "ab" (away) and "radere" (to scrape). The word has been part of the English lexicon since the late 15th century.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Rough - Harsh - Caustic - Off-putting

Antonyms: - Polite - Gentle - Soothing - Smooth