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abrasive

adjective

/əˈbreɪsɪv/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of abrasive

Rough, harsh, or unpleasant in nature, often causing friction or discomfort.
"He had an abrasive attitude that made it difficult for others to work with him."

Detailed meaning of abrasive

When applied to a person's behavior or communication style, it signifies an approach that is characterized by being direct, blunt, and even confrontational, without much consideration for the feelings or sensitivities of others. An abrasive individual might use sharp or abrasive language that can come across as insensitive or offensive to those around them. Similarly, in the context of materials, an abrasive substance is one that can cause wear, erosion, or scraping due to its coarse texture. Overall, the term 'abrasive' points to qualities or interactions that lack a gentle or accommodating approach, leading to potentially negative outcomes or strained relationships.

Example sentences containing abrasive

1. His abrasive comments during the meeting surprised everyone.
2. She used an abrasive scrub to clean the stains off the pots.
3. Despite his abrasive personality, he was extremely good at his job.
4. Her abrasive humor often rubbed people the wrong way.
5. The abrasive surface of the skateboard provided extra grip.
6. The product contained abrasive chemicals that weren't suitable for sensitive skin.

History and etymology of abrasive

The adjective 'abrasive' finds its etymological roots in the Latin word 'abrasus,' which is the past participle of 'abradere.' 'Abradere' consists of two components: 'ab,' meaning 'away from,' and 'radere,' meaning 'to scrape' or 'to rub.' Thus, 'abrasive' etymologically conveys the idea of something that 'scrapes away' or 'rub against' in a rough, harsh, or unpleasant manner. In its modern usage, 'abrasive' describes things or behaviors that are characterized by their rough and uncomfortable nature, often causing friction or irritation. The etymology of 'abrasive' underscores its root concept of friction and discomfort, reflecting its current meaning accurately.

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Further usage examples of abrasive

1. He had a knack for delivering abrasive criticism that was hard to swallow.
2. The sandpaper's abrasive texture is perfect for smoothing the wooden surface.
3. His abrasive style of leadership created tension in the team.
4. I didn't like the abrasive fabric of the sweater, it felt scratchy against my skin.
5. She didn't realize that her abrasive remarks were hurting her friends.
6. The plumber used an abrasive tool to unclog the pipes.
7. His abrasive character did little to win him any friends.
8. The band's music had an abrasive sound that was not to everyone's taste.
9. The cleaning product had an abrasive effect, and it damaged the delicate surface.
10. Despite the abrasive conditions, the plant species thrived in the desert environment.
11. His abrasive laughter echoed through the silent room, startling everyone.
12. The abrasive soap had a strong odor, but it did an excellent job cleaning.
13. Her abrasive approach to negotiations often led to unfavorable outcomes.
14. His abrasive attitude towards his coworkers caused tension in the workplace.
15. The steel surface was treated with an abrasive material to increase its roughness.
16. The customer's abrasive behavior made it difficult for the salesperson to close the deal.
17. Her abrasive tone made it difficult for others to communicate with her.
18. The mechanic used an abrasive brush to remove rust from the engine parts.
19. The abrasive cleaning solution was used to remove tough stains from the floor.