grain

[ɡreɪn]

grain Definition

  • 1the small, hard fruits of crops such as wheat, rice, or barley, often used for food or to make alcohol
  • 2a very small piece of a substance, especially a crystal
  • 3a unit of weight equal to 0.0648 gram, used for precious stones

Using grain: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "grain" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The farmer harvested the grain from his fields.

  • Example

    I prefer whole grain bread over white bread.

  • Example

    There was a grain of truth in what he said.

  • Example

    He found a grain of sand in his shoe.

grain Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for grain

Phrases with grain

  • to not completely believe or trust something that someone says, because you think it is unlikely to be true

    Example

    I take everything he says with a grain of salt.

  • contrary to what is usual, normal, or expected

    Example

    He decided to go against the grain and pursue his own dreams.

  • a tiny particle of sand

    Example

    The beach was covered in millions of grains of sand.

Origins of grain

from Old French 'graine', meaning 'seed'

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Summary: grain in Brief

The term 'grain' [ɡreɪn] refers to small, hard fruits of crops like wheat, rice, or barley, used for food or alcohol, and also to very small pieces of substances like crystals. It extends to phrases like 'take something with a grain of salt,' meaning to not completely believe something, and 'against the grain,' meaning contrary to what is usual or expected.

How do native speakers use this expression?