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Rub - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

To rub means to move one’s hand or an object back and forth against a surface with pressure. It can be used for cleaning, polishing, or applying something like lotion.

rub

/rʌb/ /rʌb/

Definition:

To move one's hand or an object back and forth against a surface with pressure.

Synonyms:

massage, stroke, scrub, polish

Part of Speech:

verb, noun

Antonyms:

soothe, caress

Common Collocations:

rub shoulders, rub out, rub in, rub down, rub off

Derivatives:

rubber, rubbing, rubbed

Usage Tips:

Use "rub" for applying pressure in a repeated motion; avoid confusion with "scrub," which implies cleaning.

Common Phrases:

rub it in, rub the wrong way, rub elbows with

Etymology:

From Middle English "rubben," possibly of Germanic origin; related to Dutch "rubben."

Examples:

  • 1. She rubbed her tired eyes after hours of reading.
  • 2. He rubbed the stain vigorously to remove it.
  • 3. The cat loves when you rub its belly gently.
  • 4. Rub the ointment on the sore area twice daily.

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