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.
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.