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abrasive — showing little concern for the feelings of others; harsh

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: showing little concern for the feelings of others; harsh

Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈbreɪsɪv/

Example Sentences

  • The new manager's abrasive comments during meetings made everyone uncomfortable.
  • My grandmother's love advice was helpful but delivered in her typical abrasive style.
  • Don't use abrasive cleaners on the delicate marble countertop.

abrasive

ADJECTIVE

[/əˈbreɪsɪv/]

showing little concern for the feelings of others; harsh

Harsh behavior ignoring others' feelings
💡 Concept

Harsh behavior ignoring others' feelings

His persuasive words turn invasive and abrasive!
🎵 Rhyme

His persuasive words turn invasive and abrasive!

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/əˈbreɪsɪv/
🇬🇧 UK/əˈbreɪsɪv/

🌳Etymology

Prefixab--
Rootras/rad
Suffix--ive

Origin

From Latin 'abradere' meaning 'to scrape away,' formed from 'ab-' (away) and 'radere' (to scrape or rub). The word entered English in the 17th century, initially describing physical scraping actions before extending to harsh or rough behavior.

Breakdown

ab- (away) + rad (scrape/rub) + -ive (adjective suffix) = abrasive

🎵Rhyme

persuasive
invasive
pervasive

🔗Collocations

abrasive personality
abrasive manner
abrasive material
abrasive cleaner
abrasive surface
mildly abrasive
highly abrasive

📝Examples

“The new manager's abrasive comments during meetings made everyone uncomfortable.”

😄 Fun example

“My grandmother's love advice was helpful but delivered in her typical abrasive style.”

“Don't use abrasive cleaners on the delicate marble countertop.”

😄 Fun example

“His abrasive sense of humor was an acquired taste - like drinking coffee with sandpaper.”

📚Related Words

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