Skip to main content

abrasiveshowing 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!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤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

persuasiveinvasivepervasive
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

Synonyms

harshroughcoarsecausticgrinding

Antonyms

smoothgentlepolite

Related

abradeabrasionerosionfrictionsandpaper

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.