B1adjective 2K

Rough

🇬🇧 UK /["/rʌf/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/rʌf/"]/

Meaning of Rough

having a surface that is not even or regular

In simple words: Not smooth; having a lot of bumps or uneven areas.

Rough in a sentence

• The surface of the table is quite rough, making it difficult to write on.
• He has a rough outer appearance, but is very kindhearted.
• Her rough experience during the hike taught her valuable lessons.
• The weather was rough, with strong winds and heavy rain.
• The artist prefers to work with rough sketches before creating a polished piece.
• He gave a rough estimate of the costs for the project.
• After a rough day at work, she wanted to relax at home.
• The roads were rough after the storm, making driving challenging.

How to use Rough

Use 'rough' to describe surfaces, textures, or conditions that are not smooth or gentle. It can also refer to someone being harsh or unfriendly in behavior. It is generally neutral but may sound informal in some contexts. Avoid using 'rough' in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

rough + noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'rough' road with bumps — it needs to be smoothed out!

Related words

Collocations with Rough

• rough surface
• rough estimate
• rough terrain
• rough times
• rough texture

Synonyms for Rough

• bumpy
• uneven
• harsh
• coarse
• rugged

Opposites of Rough

• smooth
• soft
• gentle

Common mistakes with Rough

• Confused with 'ruff', which is a dog sound.
• Using 'rough' instead of 'tough' when talking about difficulty.
• 'Roughness' is sometimes incorrectly used for subjects, instead of describing physical texture.

Frequently asked questions about Rough

What does Rough mean?

Not smooth; having a lot of bumps or uneven areas.

What is the definition of Rough?

having a surface that is not even or regular

How do you use Rough in a sentence?

The surface of the table is quite rough, making it difficult to write on.

Can you give another example of Rough?

He has a rough outer appearance, but is very kindhearted.

What are synonyms for Rough?

Common alternatives include bumpy, uneven, harsh, coarse, rugged.

What is the opposite of Rough?

Opposite meanings include smooth, soft, gentle.

What words go with Rough?

It commonly pairs with rough surface, rough estimate, rough terrain, rough times, rough texture.

What are common mistakes when using Rough?

Confused with 'ruff', which is a dog sound. Using 'rough' instead of 'tough' when talking about difficulty. 'Roughness' is sometimes incorrectly used for subjects, instead of describing physical texture.

How do you pronounce Rough?

US: /["/rʌf/"]/, UK: /["/rʌf/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Rough?

Use 'rough' to describe surfaces, textures, or conditions that are not smooth or gentle. It can also refer to someone being harsh or unfriendly in behavior. It is generally neutral but may sound informal in some contexts. Avoid using 'rough' in very formal writing.

What CEFR level is Rough?

"Rough" is at B1 level on the CEFR scale.