Rubbing - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Rubbing is the act of moving one’s hand or an object back and forth against a surface, often to clean, polish, soothe, or create friction. It can also refer to the impression made by rubbing paper over a textured surface.
Definition:
Applying pressure and moving back and forth against a surface.
Synonyms:
massaging, scrubbing, polishing, chafing
Part of Speech:
noun, verb (present participle)
Antonyms:
smoothing, caressing
Common Collocations:
rubbing alcohol, rubbing motion, rubbing shoulders
Derivatives:
rubber, rubbed
Usage Tips:
Use "rubbing" for actions involving friction, like cleaning or soothing sore muscles.
Common Phrases:
rubbing salt in the wound, rubbing elbows with someone, rubbing the wrong way
Etymology:
From Old English "rubban," meaning to scrape or chafe.
Examples:
- 1. She was rubbing her tired eyes after hours of reading.
- 2. He applied lotion by gently rubbing it into his skin.
- 3. The cat enjoys rubbing its head against my leg.
- 4. Rubbing two sticks together can create fire through friction.