Dictionary
English - Dutch

Rub

rəb
Extremely common
700 - 800
700 - 800
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

wrijven, schuren, wrijven (over iets), belemmeren

Rub meanings in Dutch

wrijven

Example:
I will rub the lotion into my skin.
Ik zal de lotion in mijn huid wrijven.
He rubbed his eyes because he was tired.
Hij wreef in zijn ogen omdat hij moe was.
Usage: informalContext: Physical actions, skincare, or fatigue relief.
Note: This is the most common meaning, often used in everyday conversations.

schuren

Example:
She rubbed the sandpaper against the wood.
Ze schuurde het schuurpapier tegen het hout.
He rubbed the surface to make it smooth.
Hij schuurde het oppervlak om het glad te maken.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in contexts involving surfaces, materials, or crafting.
Note: This meaning is often related to working with materials or preparing surfaces.

wrijven (over iets)

Example:
He rubbed his fingers over the fabric to feel its texture.
Hij wreef met zijn vingers over de stof om de textuur te voelen.
She rubbed the surface to check for any bumps.
Ze wreef over het oppervlak om eventuele bobbels te controleren.
Usage: informalContext: Used when discussing actions that involve feeling or examining textures.
Note: This is a more descriptive way to express the action of rubbing in specific contexts.

belemmeren

Example:
His comments rubbed me the wrong way.
Zijn opmerkingen belemmerden me.
She always rubs people the wrong way with her sarcasm.
Ze belemmerd altijd mensen met haar sarcasme.
Usage: informalContext: Used in social contexts when someone's actions or words cause discomfort or annoyance.
Note: This figurative meaning is used to describe interpersonal dynamics.

Rub's synonyms

massage

To massage means to apply pressure or knead with the hands to relieve tension or pain in the body. It is a more gentle and therapeutic action compared to simply rubbing.
Example: She massaged her sore muscles after a long workout.
Note: Massage involves more deliberate and focused movements for therapeutic purposes.

scrub

To scrub means to clean or rub something hard with a brush or a rough material to remove dirt or stains. It implies a more vigorous and thorough action than just rubbing.
Example: She scrubbed the floor until it was sparkling clean.
Note: Scrubbing involves a more intensive and forceful action to clean or remove dirt.

polish

To polish means to make something smooth and shiny by rubbing or buffing. It often involves using a polishing agent or cloth to enhance the appearance of an object.
Example: He polished his shoes until they gleamed.
Note: Polishing focuses on making something smooth and shiny, often using specific products or techniques.

Rub expressions, common phrases

Rub shoulders with

To spend time with or be in the company of someone who is important or famous.
Example: I had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some industry leaders at the conference.
Note: This phrase uses 'rub' metaphorically to mean being in close contact or association with someone.

Rub someone the wrong way

To annoy or irritate someone.
Example: His sarcastic comments always rub me the wrong way.
Note: In this idiom, 'rub' is used to convey causing discomfort or annoyance.

Rub it in

To keep reminding someone of their mistake or failure in a way that is annoying or hurtful.
Example: I know I made a mistake, you don't have to keep rubbing it in.
Note: Here, 'rub' is used to emphasize the action of making someone feel bad about something they did.

Rub salt in the wound

To make a painful situation even more painful for someone.
Example: Bringing up her failed relationship was like rubbing salt in the wound.
Note: Similar to 'rub it in,' this idiom intensifies the pain or discomfort felt by someone.

Rub elbows with

To associate or mingle with important or influential people.
Example: As a journalist, I get to rub elbows with politicians and celebrities.
Note: This phrase is similar to 'rub shoulders with' and uses 'rub' to indicate close interaction or connection.

Rub the wrong way

To annoy or irritate someone.
Example: His condescending attitude always rubs me the wrong way.
Note: Similar to 'rub someone the wrong way,' this idiom conveys causing irritation or discomfort.

Rub up against

To come into conflict or opposition with something.
Example: The new policy rubs up against our established procedures.
Note: In this phrase, 'rub' implies encountering friction or disagreement with existing practices or rules.

Rub everyday (slang) expressions

Rubber

In British English, 'rubber' refers to an eraser used for removing pencil marks. This term can cause confusion for American English speakers who associate 'rubber' with a different meaning.
Example: I need to get a new rubber for my pencil.
Note: The original word 'rub' refers to applying pressure in a back-and-forth motion, while 'rubber' is a specific term for an eraser.

Rubberneck

'Rubberneck' means to turn one's head to stare at something of interest or something unusual, often causing a traffic jam. This term is commonly used to describe drivers who slow down to look at accidents or other incidents.
Example: Don't rubberneck at the accident scene; it's disrespectful.
Note: The original word 'rub' involves applying pressure, while 'rubberneck' refers to turning one's neck to look.

Rubber room

In the educational context, 'rubber room' refers to a place where disruptive or problematic students are isolated or disciplined.
Example: The disruptive student was sent to the rubber room for detention.
Note: The original word 'rub' involves applying pressure, while 'rubber room' refers to a specific location for handling disciplinary issues.

Rubbing elbows

To 'rub elbows' means to mingle or associate closely with someone, especially someone influential or well-known.
Example: At the conference, I was rubbing elbows with some influential industry leaders.
Note: The original word 'rub' means to apply pressure, while 'rubbing elbows' refers to socializing or networking with others.

Rubber check

A 'rubber check' is a check that bounces due to insufficient funds in the account. It's a metaphorical term denoting a check that is not backed by real money.
Example: His promise to invest was just a rubber check; it bounced when I tried to cash it.
Note: The original word 'rub' involves applying pressure, while 'rubber check' refers to a bounced or invalid check.

Rub - Examples

I rubbed my eyes when I woke up.
Ik wreef in mijn ogen toen ik wakker werd.
The cat rubbed against my leg.
De kat wreef tegen mijn been.
There was a lot of friction and rubbing between the two surfaces.
Er was veel wrijving en wrijven tussen de twee oppervlakken.

Rub grammar

Rub - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: rub
Conjugations
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): rub
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): rubbed
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): rubbing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): rubs
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): rub
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): rub
Syllables, Separation and Stress
rub Contains 1 syllables: rub
Phonetic transcription: ˈrəb
rub , ˈrəb (The red syllable is stressed)

Rub - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
rub: 700 - 800 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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