Word
abrasive
Phoneticsabra·sive
US/əˈbɹeɪsɪv/
UK/ɐbɹˈeɪsɪv/
Definition
adj. describing a person who is rude or unkind in a way that hurts other people's feelings. It can also describe a rough surface that can rub something away.
adj. characterised by a harsh, irritating, or overly aggressive manner in social interactions. When describing physical properties, refers to a substance capable of polishing or cleaning a hard surface by rubbing or grinding.
Examples
“Her abrasive personality makes it difficult for her to keep friends.”
“The manager's abrasive management style led to high staff turnover and low morale within the department.”
“While his technical skills were beyond reproach, his abrasive approach to peer review often alienated the very colleagues whose support he needed for the project's success.”
Examples
simple
“Her abrasive personality makes it difficult for her to keep friends.”
contextual
“The manager's abrasive management style led to high staff turnover and low morale within the department.”
complex
“While his technical skills were beyond reproach, his abrasive approach to peer review often alienated the very colleagues whose support he needed for the project's success.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'seem', or 'become'.
Real-World Examples
“The old man has been an abrasive and emotionally absent parent, but appears to believe his literary talent excuses that.” “Natural chewing, abrasive foods, or even swallowed grit can produce similar patterns.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin abrāsīvus
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/abrasive