grate

/greit/

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The word "grate" can be used as both a noun and a verb, and it has different meanings depending on the context. Let’s break it down in a simple way:

As a Noun:

1. Grate (a barrier): A grate is a structure made of bars that are placed parallel to each other or crossed. It can block something, like a passage, but still allows air to pass through. For example, you might see a grate on the floor in a building to let air circulate.

   • Example: "The air vent was covered with a metal grate to keep out debris."

2. Grate (sound): It can also refer to a harsh, rasping sound made by scraping something. For example, if you scrape your nails on a chalkboard, it makes a grating sound.

   • Example: "The grating noise of the metal dragged across the floor was annoying."

As a Verb:

1. To scratch repeatedly: When something scratches against another surface, you can say it "grates". For example, if a cat scratches a chair, you can say, "The cat grates the armchair."

2. To make a grinding sound: If two hard surfaces rub together and create a harsh sound, like metal on metal, it grates.

   • Example: "The train grates against the tracks as it comes to a stop."

3. To reduce to small shreds: You can grate food, like cheese or vegetables, by rubbing them against a rough surface. This makes them into smaller pieces.

   • Example: "Please grate the cheese for the pasta."

4. To make someone feel angry or resentful: If something bothers someone and makes them feel upset, you can say it "grates on" them.

   • Example: "His constant complaining really grates on my nerves."

5. Furnish with a grate: This means to put a grate in a specific place, such as in a fireplace.

   • Example: "They decided to grate the fireplace to improve airflow."

Advanced Usage:

• Grate one's teeth: This phrase means to clench your teeth together tightly, often because of anger.

  • Example: "She gritted her teeth in frustration when she heard the news."

Word Variants:

• Grated (adjective): Referring to something that has been reduced to small pieces by grating.

  • Example: "I need some grated cheese for the recipe."

• Grating (noun/adjective): Referring to the action of grating or the sound made by something that grates.

Synonyms:

• For the noun "grate" (as a barrier): grille, cover, screen
• For the verb "grate" (to shred): shred, grind, crush
• For the verb "grate" (to irritate): annoy, irritate, bother

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Grate on someone: To annoy or irritate someone.

  • Example: "His constant jokes really grate on me."

Summary:

So, "grate" is a versatile word that can refer to a physical structure, a sound, or actions you take with objects or feelings.

Academic

Noun

1. a barrier that has parallel or crossed bars blocking a passage but admitting air
2. a harsh rasping sound made by scraping something
3. a frame of iron bars to hold a fire

Verb

1. scratch repeatedly
   • The cat scraped at the armchair
2. make a grating or grinding sound by rubbing together
   • grate one's teeth in anger
3. reduce to small shreds or pulverize by rubbing against a rough or sharp perforated surface
   • grate carrots and onions
   • grate nutmeg
4. gnaw into; make resentful or angry
   • The injustice rankled her
   • his resentment festered
5. furnish with a grate
   • a grated fireplace

Synonyms

• grating
• scrape
• grind
• eat into
• fret
• rankle