Main Entry:

rude

Pronunciation:

\ˈrüd\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

rud·er; rud·est

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin rudis; probably akin to Latin rudus rubble

Date:

14th century

1 a: being in a rough or unfinished state : crude b: natural, raw <rude cotton> c: primitive, undeveloped <peasants use rude wooden plows — Jack Raymond> d: simple, elemental <landscape done in rude whites, blacks, deep browns — Richard Harris>2: lacking refinement or delicacy: a: ignorant, unlearned b: inelegant, uncouth c: offensive in manner or action : discourteous d: uncivilized, savage e: coarse, vulgar 3: marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill : inexperienced <rude workmanship>4: robust, sturdy <in rude health>5: occurring abruptly and disconcertingly <a rude awakening>

— rude·ly adverb

synonyms rude, rough, crude, raw mean lacking in social refinement. rude implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy <rude behavior>. rough is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness <rough manners>. crude may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive <a crude joke>. raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished <turning raw youths into polished performers>.