abrasive

• Qualifie une substance rugueuse utilisée pour frotter ou polir ; s'emploie aussi au sens figuré pour décrire une personne au comportement brusque ou irritant.

Describes a substance that is rough and used for grinding or polishing; also used figuratively to describe a person's manner as harsh or irritating.

1. Wearing down substanceB2formal

   A material used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning a surface by rubbing.

   Abrasif (matériau)

   • Sandpaper is a common abrasive used in woodworking.
   • The cleaner contains fine abrasive particles to remove stains.
   • Diamond is one of the hardest abrasive materials known.

   Synonymesgrindingpolishingrubbingscouringwearing

2. Causing friction or wearB2formal

   Having a rough texture that can scratch or wear away a surface.

   abrasif

   • The abrasive surface of the stone damaged the metal.
   • Use a soft cloth to avoid abrasive damage to the screen.
   • The cleaner is too abrasive for delicate fabrics.

   Synonymescoarseerosivegrittyharshraspingroughscratchywearing

   Antonymesgentlepolishedsmoothsoft

3. Harsh or unpleasant mannerB2informal

   Describing a person or behavior that is rude, harsh, or likely to cause annoyance.

   Abrésif (sens figuré)

   • His abrasive comments made everyone uncomfortable.
   • She has an abrasive personality that often offends people.
   • The manager's abrasive tone created a tense work environment.

   Synonymesacerbicbrusquecausticcuttinggratinggruffharshirritatingnastyroughscathingsharpunpleasant

   Antonymesagreeableconsideratediplomaticgenialgentlekindpleasantsmoothsoothingtactful

• Substance dure et granuleuse utilisée pour frotter, polir ou nettoyer une surface solide par abrasion.

A noun referring to a substance used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning a hard surface by friction.

1. Abrasive substanceB2formaltechnical

   A material, often a powder or grain, used for grinding, polishing, or cleaning a surface by rubbing.

   Abrasif (substance)

   • Sandpaper is a common abrasive used in woodworking.
   • The cleaner contains fine abrasives to remove tough stains.
   • Diamond dust is one of the hardest abrasives known.

   Synonymesabradantabrasive material

2. Harsh or rough personalityB2informal

   A person who is perceived as harsh, rude, or irritating in manner or behavior.

   Personne abrasive / caractère rude

   • He's a bit of an abrasive, always criticizing others.
   • She can be an abrasive in meetings, but her ideas are often good.
   • Don't be such an abrasive; try to be more diplomatic.

   Synonymesbrusquecausticcuttinggratingharshirritatingnastyroughsharp

   Antonymesaffableagreeablecharmingcourteousdiplomaticgentlegraciouskindpleasantpolitesmoothtactfulwarm