Crude

Part of Speech

Adjective / Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /kruːd/

Phonetic: KROOD

Definitions

• (Adjective) In a natural or raw state; not yet processed or refined.
• (Adjective) Lacking in sophistication or subtlety.
• (Adjective) Vulgar or coarse in language or behavior.
• (Noun) Unrefined petroleum.

Usage Examples

• "The crude oil was transported to the refinery."
• "His crude jokes made some people uncomfortable."
• "The drawing was a crude sketch of the landscape."

Etymology

Derived from Latin crudus meaning "raw" or "unrefined," which later evolved in Old French as cru, and entered Middle English as "crude."

Synonyms

• Raw
• Unrefined
• Primitive
• Rough
• Vulgar

Antonyms

• Refined
• Processed
• Sophisticated
• Polished

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /kruːd/
• American English: /kruːd/
• Australian English: /kruːd/

Historical Usage

"Crude" has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe raw or unrefined materials. Its figurative meaning as "lacking refinement" developed later.

Cultural Nuances

The word "crude" is often used in different contexts, such as crude oil in economics, crude jokes in social situations, or crude sketches in art. Its meaning depends on the subject matter.

More Information

In global markets, crude oil is one of the most significant economic commodities. The term "crude" is also commonly used in informal speech to describe something that is roughly made or offensive in nature.