abrasive
Definitions
Capable of scraping or wearing away a surface; rough
有研磨作用的，粗糙的
Harsh and rude in manner; unpleasant to deal with
（态度）生硬粗鲁的，令人不快的
A substance used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning by rubbing
研磨料，磨料
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedab- (away) + ras (scrape) + -ive (tending to) = "tending to scrape away." Literally describes rough, grinding materials; figuratively, a person whose manner grates on others like rough material on skin.
Root rad-scrape still carries 5 more wordsWhy It Means This
The jump from sandpaper to personality is one clean metaphor. Something abrasive physically rubs against a surface and wears it down. An abrasive person does the same to your patience — blunt, harsh, grating, leaving everyone a little raw. The image of friction is identical; only the surface changes.
Common Collocations
- 1.abrasive material研磨材料
- 2.abrasive manner生硬的态度
- 3.abrasive personality令人不快的性格
- 4.mildly abrasive轻微研磨性的
Example Sentences
- 1.
Use a mild cleaner, not an abrasive one, on the screen.
- 2.
His abrasive manner made it hard to work with him.
- 3.
Sandpaper and steel wool are common household abrasives.