abrasive
Translation
abrasive, harsh, coarse, rough
Examples
Use an abrasive cleaner for tough stains.
Use an abrasive cleaner for tough stains.
She has a very abrasive manner.
She has a very abrasive manner.
Grammar Patterns
((of a substance)) rough and able to polish or clean a surface Use an abrasive cleaner for tough stains.
((of a person or manner)) rude and unkind She has a very abrasive manner.
Similar Words
Synonyms: (manner) harsh, rude; (surface) coarse, rough; Antonyms: (manner) gentle, polite
Etymology
From Latin 'abradere' (to scrape off). The '-ive' suffix indicates a quality or tendency.
Memory Tips
An 'abrasive' personality rubs people the wrong way, like sandpaper. Both are rough.