
Roughen
Texture Change
Use 'roughen' to describe changes from smooth to a more textured surface due to various causes.
Years of walking roughened the stone pathway.
Physical Impact
'Roughen' often hints at physical action that alters a surface, like rubbing or scratching.
Sanding the wood will roughen its finish.
Negative Outcome
When 'roughen' describes skin or other surfaces, it suggests an undesirable effect.
Frequent hand washing roughened her delicate skin.
Compare with
AbradeCoarsenCorrodeFileGrindRubScourScratch
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