abrasive

[uh-brey-siv, -ziv]

noun

1. any material or substance used for grinding, polishing, etc., as emery, pumice, or sandpaper.

adjective

1. tending to abrade; causing abrasion; abrading.

   Synonyms: rasping, rough, harsh

2. tending to annoy or cause ill will; overly aggressive.

   an abrasive personality.

abrasive

/ əˈbreɪsɪv /

noun

1. a substance or material such as sandpaper, pumice, or emery, used for cleaning, grinding, smoothing, or polishing

adjective

1. causing abrasion; grating; rough

2. irritating in manner or personality; causing tension or annoyance

Other Word Forms

• abrasiveness noun
• abrasively adverb
• unabrasive adjective
• unabrasively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of abrasive¹

1870–75; < Latin abrās ( us ) ( abrasion ) + -ive

Example Sentences

Byrne’s searing portrayal of matriarchal duty at all costs is abrasive and uncomfortable.

Read more on Salon

When Kristal’s vision for the club as a country music mecca didn’t materialize, he pivoted to the loud, abrasive sounds emerging from Bowery — even though the former Marine personally didn’t care for it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Through a family spokesperson, Simon Patterson also told the court of his grief - which has been compounded by the "abrasive" court process and at-times "deplorable" media maelstrom which followed the crimes.

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This kind of constant self-editing, Ms Kean explains, may act as a defence mechanism to avoid being seen as abrasive or overly assertive.

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Long corners, abrasive track surfaces and hot temperatures have tended to take their tyres over a threshold.

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Related Words

• annoying 
• biting 
• caustic 
• harsh 
• irritating