roughish
/'rʌfiʃ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Somewhat rough: Having a texture, surface, or quality that is slightly uneven, coarse, or not smooth.
- Slightly harsh or unrefined: Being a little rude, uncouth, or lacking in polish in manner or appearance.
- Moderately agitated: Used to describe sea conditions that are slightly turbulent or choppy.
Usage and Examples
Describing Texture or Surface:
- The sandpaper felt roughish to the touch, not as coarse as the heavy-grade kind.
- After the first coat of paint dried, the wall still had a roughish finish that needed sanding.
Describing Manner or Character:
- His roughish charm appealed to some, though others found him a bit uncultured.
- The bar had a roughish clientele, but it was generally friendly.
Describing Sea Conditions:
- The captain warned that the waters ahead were roughish, so passengers should brace themselves.
- We decided to postpone the sailing trip due to the roughish sea forecast.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- Comparative Quality: Often used to indicate a moderate degree of roughness, less intense than "rough" but more than "smooth."
- The path was roughish but still navigable for experienced hikers.
- Subjective Description: Can imply a tolerable or acceptable level of coarseness or lack of refinement.
- The translation was roughish in parts, but the overall meaning was clear.
Variants and Related Words
- Rough (adj): Having an uneven or irregular surface; not smooth or refined. (e.g., )
- Roughness (n): The quality or state of being rough. (e.g., )
- Roughen (v): To make or become rough. (e.g., )
Synonyms
- Coarse: Rough or loose in texture or grain.
- Unpolished: Not refined or elegant in manner or style.
- Choppy: (Of the sea) having small, rough waves.
Antonyms
- Smooth: Having an even and regular surface; free from perceptible projections, lumps, or indentations.
- Polished: Refined, sophisticated, or elegant in manner or style.
- Calm: (Of the sea) not disturbed by waves.
Notes on Usage
- Formality: The word "roughish" is considered somewhat informal and is less common than its root word "rough." It is typically used in descriptive, rather than technical, contexts.
- Word Formation: The suffix "-ish" is added to the adjective "rough" to create a new adjective meaning "somewhat rough" or "having a quality of roughness." This is a productive pattern in English (e.g., , , ).