Meaning & use
grate
To shred food into small pieces by rubbing it against a rough, perforated surface.
See it in a sentence
She grated a block of cheddar cheese over the pasta before serving it.
His constant complaining began to grate on his coworkers' nerves.
A note on using this word
Used figuratively, 'grate on' someone means to irritate them, often through repetition.
Words with a similar meaning
shred
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Another way to use it
2. noun
A metal frame that holds fuel in a fireplace, or a framework of bars covering an opening.
He raked the ashes from the grate before lighting a fresh fire.
Make it your own
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