ENGLISH
REFERENCE

grated

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɡɹeɪtɪd// UK //ɡɹˈeɪtɪd// grat·ed

adj. cut into many small, thin pieces using a metal tool with sharp holes. You usually see this with cheese or vegetables like carrots.

adj. reduced to small shreds or fragments by being rubbed against a rough or sharp-edged surface. Often used as a participial adjective in culinary contexts.


SIMPLE

She sprinkled some grated cheese over the pasta.

CONTEXTUAL

The recipe calls for two cups of grated carrots and a teaspoon of fresh ginger.

COMPLEX

The chef finished the dish with a fine dusting of grated nutmeg, which added a subtle warmth to the creamy sauce.

Synonyms
Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun or after a linking verb like 'is' or 'looks'.

Pitfall

I bought a grate cheeseI bought some grated cheeseThe past participle form 'grated' must be used when the word functions as an adjective describing the state of the food.

© 2026 English Reference