Langimage
English

rubbing

|rub-bing|

B1

/ˈrʌbɪŋ/

(rub)

frictional movement

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNoun
rubrubsrubsrubbedrubbedrubbingrubsrubbings
Etymology
Etymology Information

'rub' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'rubben', where 'rubben' meant 'to scrape or polish'.

Historical Evolution

'rubben' transformed into the modern English word 'rub'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to scrape or polish', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to move one's hand or an object back and forth on a surface'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a reproduction of a design or texture made by rubbing a pencil or other implement over a surface placed on top of the design.

She made a rubbing of the ancient stone carving.

Synonyms

Verb 1

present participle of 'rub'.

He is rubbing the stain out of the carpet.

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42