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Roughen - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To roughen means to make or become rough or uneven in texture or surface. It often describes actions like sanding, scraping, or weathering that alter smoothness. Example: Wind roughens wood over time.

roughen

/ˈrʌfən/ /ˈrʌfən/

Definition:

To make or become rough in texture or surface.

Synonyms:

coarsen, toughen, abrade, scratch

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

smooth, polish

Common Collocations:

roughen the surface, roughen edges, roughen skin

Derivatives:

roughened, roughening

Usage Tips:

Use "roughen" to describe making a surface less smooth, often for better grip or texture.

Common Phrases:

roughen up, roughen the edges, roughen the finish

Etymology:

Derived from "rough," from Old English "rūh," meaning uneven or hairy, with the suffix "-en" to form a verb.

Examples:

  • 1. The sandpaper will roughen the wood before painting.
  • 2. Her hands began to roughen after years of hard work.
  • 3. The storm’s wind can roughen the ocean’s surface quickly.
  • 4. He used a file to roughen the metal edges slightly.

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