brushing
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.the act of using a brush to clean your teeth, tidy your hair, or clean a surface.
n.the act of applying a brush to a surface for cleaning, grooming, or smoothing.
Simple“The dentist told him that a quick brushing twice a day is not enough.”
In context“Regular brushing of the horse's coat is essential not only for appearance but also for maintaining the animal's skin health and circulation.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.a trick where online sellers send cheap items to random people so they can write fake positive reviews.
n.a fraudulent technique where e-commerce sellers send unsolicited items to create fake verified-purchase reviews and boost store ratings.
Simple“She received a cheap plastic whistle she never ordered, which was likely a case of brushing.”
In context“The platform has implemented new algorithms to detect brushing, as these fake reviews undermine the integrity of the global marketplace.”
Usageuncountable in this context
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.touching something very lightly as you move past it.
v.the act of touching or grazing a surface lightly in passing.
Simple“He felt something brushing against his leg in the tall grass.”
In context“The willow branches were brushing against the surface of the lake, creating tiny ripples in the otherwise still water.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
adj.moving in a quick, light, and energetic way.
adj.characterised by a brisk, light, or energetic quality.
Simple“The horses moved at a brushing gallop across the open fields.”
In context“They set off at a brushing pace, hoping to reach the village before the light faded entirely from the valley.”