What does “Rough-hewn” mean?
"Rough-hewn" means something that is not smooth or refined in appearance or manner.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The old cabin had a rough-hewn exterior.
Example
His rough-hewn manners made him stand out in the fancy restaurant.
Example
The artist preferred to work with rough-hewn materials for a more rustic look
Is “Rough-hewn” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Rough-hewn” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Rough-hewn” effectively in context?
You can use "Rough-hewn" to describe something that is not smooth or refined in appearance or manner. It suggests a raw, unpolished quality. For example, if you see an old cabin with a rugged exterior, you might say, 'The old cabin had a "rough-hewn" exterior.'
- 1Description
The artist preferred to work with rough-hewn materials for a more rustic look.
- 2Social Setting
His rough-hewn manners made him stand out in the fancy restaurant.
- 3Artistic Preference
The sculptor chose to create a rough-hewn sculpture to convey a sense of raw emotion.
Similar phrases to “Rough-hewn”:
Not smooth or refined in appearance or manner
Example
Her unpolished manners made her stand out in the formal gathering.
Having a rough or unfinished appearance, often associated with a countryside or natural setting
Example
The cabin was decorated in a rustic style with rough-hewn furniture.
Not processed or refined, in a natural or unaltered state
Example
The artist's paintings had a raw quality, with rough-hewn brushstrokes.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Rough-hewn” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Rough-hewn" is unknown.
Is “Rough-hewn” common in everyday conversation?
"Rough-hewn" is not a very common phrase in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in descriptive or artistic contexts to convey a specific aesthetic or style.
What tone does “Rough-hewn” have?
"Rough-hewn" conveys a tone of ruggedness and authenticity. It suggests a lack of refinement or polish, but also carries a sense of natural beauty and uniqueness.
Can “Rough-hewn” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Rough-hewn" is generally used in informal settings, although it can also be used in more formal contexts when describing artistic or architectural styles. It is not considered a highly formal expression.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to describe something or someone. For example, 'The furniture had a "rough-hewn" appearance.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I prefer things to be "rough-hewn"' to express a personal preference for a more natural and unrefined aesthetic.
