What does ROUGH mean?

Parts of Speech

Rough can be used as an adjective, adverb, noun, or verb.

Definitions

• Adjective: having an uneven or irregular surface; not smooth (e.g. rough terrain); harsh or unpleasant in manner or sound (e.g. a rough voice).
• Adverb: in a rough or coarse manner (e.g. he spoke rough to her).
• Noun: a rough or unfinished version of something (e.g. a rough draft); a violent or turbulent disturbance of the air or water (e.g. the rough of the sea).
• Verb: to treat someone harshly or without proper care (e.g. he was roughed up by the police).

Pronunciations

• US: /rʌf/
• UK: /rʌf/

Origin and Usage

The word rough comes from the Old English word "ruh" which means "untrimmed, uncultivated". It has been used in English since the 14th century. The word is commonly used to describe something that is uneven, harsh, or unfinished. It can also be used to describe someones behavior, as in "he was rough with her".

Synonyms

• Adjective: uneven, rugged, coarse, harsh, tough
• Adverb: roughly, harshly, crudely, coarsely
• Noun: draft, sketch, outline, turbulence, commotion
• Verb: mistreat, abuse, manhandle, handle roughly

Related Words

• Tough
• Stuff
• Cough
• Cliff
• Gruff

Example Sentences

• The road was rough and bumpy.
• He had a rough day at work.
• She spoke to him in a rough tone.
• He gave her a rough hug.
• He handed in a rough