Dictionary monolingual
English
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.
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.
Rub -
To move one's hand or an object back and forth against a surface
Example: She rubbed her sore muscles after the workout.
Usage: informalContext: everyday situations
Note: Commonly used in casual conversations and daily activities.
To apply pressure and friction to a part of the body or an object
Example: He rubbed his temples to ease the headache.
Usage: informalContext: health and wellness contexts
Note: Often used in informal settings when talking about self-care or relaxation.
To cause friction or irritation by rubbing against something
Example: The new shoes rubbed against her heel and caused a blister.
Usage: informalContext: fashion and clothing discussions
Note: Commonly used in conversations about clothing comfort and fit.
To clean or polish a surface by rubbing
Example: She rubbed the table until it shone.
Usage: formalContext: cleaning and maintenance contexts
Note: Typically used in more formal or professional settings when discussing cleaning or maintenance tasks.
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.
The cat rubbed against my leg.
There was a lot of friction and rubbing between the two surfaces.
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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