rough
UK: rʌf | US: rʌf
adj. having an uneven or irregular surface; not smooth or polished
adj. harsh or coarse in texture, manner, or sound
vt. to make or shape roughly or hastily
n. a rough or unfinished state or version
The word "rough" traces back to Old English rūh, meaning "shaggy, hairy, or coarse." It shares roots with Old High German rūh and Old Norse rúgr, all conveying a sense of unevenness or lack of refinement. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe harsh sounds, unpolished behavior, and preliminary drafts (e.g., "rough draft"). The spelling and core meaning have remained remarkably stable since its Germanic origins.
The rough surface of the rock scraped his hands.
His rough voice made it hard to hear him clearly.
She quickly roughed out a sketch before adding details.
The first draft of the novel was still very rough.
The sea grew rough as the storm approached.