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Scratch Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：minor skin cut (scratch)
scratch
/skrætʃ/
n.
It is a thin, usually not very serious mark or cut on your skin from something sharp.
minor skin cut
➕
/ˈmaɪnər skɪn kʌt/
n.
A small, superficial wound on the skin resulting from contact with something sharp.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Middle English 'scracchen', imitative of the sound of scraping.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a cat's scratch on skin or a key marking a surface.
📖 Example
After playing with the kitten, the little boy had a tiny scratch on his knee.
The little boy got a small scratch on his knee after playing with the kitten.
🔗 Collocations
a scratch on the skin – a minor cut on the body's surface
from a scratch – originating from a small skin injury
scratch mark – a visible line or indication of a scratch
🔄 Synonyms
cut (n.) – a small incision or wound in the skin
abrasion (n.) – a scrape or rub that damages the skin surface
laceration (n.) – a deep or jagged cut in the skin
🚫 Antonyms
unblemished (adj.) – without any marks, cuts, or imperfections on the skin
🌱 Derivatives
scratchy (adj.) – causing a scratching sensation or rough texture
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'scratch' originates from imitative sounds for scraping. In modern culture, it frequently describes minor damage on screens, reflecting concerns with material perfection in technology.
Meaning 2：surface mark (scratch)
scratch
/skrætʃ/
n.
It is a thin, shallow line or mark on the surface of something, made by something sharp or rough.
surface mark
➕
/ˈsɜːr.fɪs mɑːrk/
n.
A thin line or imperfection on an object's surface caused by contact with something sharp or rough.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
There is a small but noticeable scratch on the screen of my new phone, and it bothers me every time I look at it.
My new phone's screen has a visible scratch that is annoying to see.
🔗 Collocations
a scratch on the surface – a mark on the outer layer of an object
scratch-resistant – designed to prevent or minimize scratches
deep scratch – a pronounced mark that penetrates the surface
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
pristine (adj.) – in perfect, unmarked condition without any scratches
🌱 Derivatives
scratchy (adj.) – having a rough texture that can cause scratches
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