What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rawness
Example
The rawness of the singer's voice added to the emotional impact of the song. [rawness: noun]
Example
I prefer my steak with a little bit of rawness in the middle. [rawness: noun]
Example
After the breakup, she felt a rawness and vulnerability that she had never experienced before. [rawness: noun]
roughness
Example
The roughness of the sandpaper helped to smooth out the wood. [roughness: noun]
Example
The first draft of the report was full of roughness and needed a lot of editing. [roughness: noun]
Example
Growing up on a farm taught him the roughness and hard work necessary to succeed. [roughness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Roughness is more commonly used than rawness in everyday language. Roughness is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while rawness is less common and often used in specific contexts, such as creative works or emotional states.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rawness and roughness?
Both rawness and roughness are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.