rough-hewn

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Shaped roughly and not finished smoothly, as stone or timber cut with simple tools.

   Grammar: Usually goes before a noun: rough-hewn beams.

   Patterns

   • rough-hewn from something

   The cabin had rough-hewn beams across the ceiling.

   A rough-hewn table stood in the middle of the kitchen.

   The path was lined with rough-hewn stone steps.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounliteraryfigurative

   Describing a person, face or manner that is plain, unrefined and strong rather than polished or delicate.

   Grammar: Used figuratively about people; it often suggests honest strength.

   The farmer had a rough-hewn face weathered by years of sun.

   His rough-hewn charm made him popular in the village.

   She admired the rough-hewn honesty of his speech.

Common combinations

rough-hewn beams

Rough-hewn beams gave the barn a rustic look.

a rough-hewn table

They ate at a rough-hewn table in the garden.

rough-hewn stone

The wall was built from rough-hewn stone.

rough-hewn features

His rough-hewn features suggested a hard life.

rough-hewn charm

The cottage had a rough-hewn charm.

Synonyms and how they differ

rugged

This describes strong, uneven, outdoor-like things or people, but does not imply that something was cut by hand.

unpolished

This means lacking finish and polish, and is more neutral or slightly negative.

crude

This is more negative, suggesting poor skill, while rough-hewn can sound charming.

rustic

This stresses a simple country style and often sounds more positive and decorative.

Opposites

Word family

hew verb

to cut or shape something with an axe or similar tool

hewn adjective

cut or shaped by hewing, the past participle of hew

hewer noun

someone who cuts wood or stone

roughness noun

the quality of being rough

Commonly confused: rough-hewn or rough-cut? rough-hewn or hue?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “rough-hewn”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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