Grate

Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

/ɡreɪt/ (American & British English)

Definitions

• (Verb) To shred something into small pieces by rubbing it against a rough surface.
• (Verb) To irritate or annoy persistently.
• (Noun) A framework of metal bars used to hold fuel in a fireplace.

Usage Examples

• She used a grater to grate the cheese.
• His constant complaining began to grate on my nerves.
• The old iron grate in the fireplace was rusted.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "grata," meaning a lattice or framework, and the Old French "grater," meaning to scratch or scrape.

Synonyms

• Shred (for verb)
• Scrape (for verb)
• Fireplace rack (for noun)

Antonyms

• Soothe (for irritation)
• Assemble (opposite of shredding)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "grate" is pronounced with a slightly longer vowel sound, while in British English, it may have a sharper "t" sound at the end.

Historical Usage

The term "grate" has been used since the 14th century in relation to fireplace structures and later adopted as a verb for scraping and shredding.

Cultural Nuances

In cooking, grating is commonly associated with cheese, while in construction, a grate refers to metal frameworks used for ventilation or drainage.

More Information

The word "grate" continues to have widespread usage in culinary, architectural, and figurative contexts. The action of grating is essential in food preparation, while grates are fundamental in heating systems.