Word
abrasively
Phoneticsabra·sive·ly
Definition
adv. in a way that causes damage or irritation by rubbing against something. It can also describe speaking or acting in a way that is very harsh or rude.
adv. in a manner that causes wear, damage, or irritation through friction; alternatively, in a manner that is harsh, rude, or offensive.
Examples
“The sandpaper scratches the wood abrasively.”
“He spoke abrasively to the staff, making them feel uncomfortable and unwelcome in their own workplace.”
“The abrasive nature of the debate eventually led to a complete breakdown in communication between the two political factions, as neither side was willing to yield on their core principles.”
Examples
simple
“The sandpaper scratches the wood abrasively.”
contextual
“He spoke abrasively to the staff, making them feel uncomfortable and unwelcome in their own workplace.”
complex
“The abrasive nature of the debate eventually led to a complete breakdown in communication between the two political factions, as neither side was willing to yield on their core principles.”
Etymology
From abrasive + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Rare
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/abrasively