scratch
verb (used with object)
to break, mar, or mark the surface of by rubbing, scraping, or tearing with something sharp or rough.
have scratched
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present perfectof scratch.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We have learned so much about the animal kingdom since the onset of modern science, but as these new studies show, we may have scratched only the surface.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 14, 2022
"I don't think I have scratched the surface if anything. I have got a monkey off my back getting a world medal. Now I push on from here."
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2022
But the decision could also apply to three other candidates, including former Detroit Police Chief James Craig, who also have scratched from the GOP ballot.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 1, 2022
“We both have the vision of a common platform, where frankly we really have scratched the surface,” he said in an interview.
From Reuters ● Aug. 10, 2021
Some of the glass from the lens must have scratched it, I thought.
From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok
