Grinding
'graɪndɪŋ
Definitions
4 meaningsTo break something into small pieces or powder by pressing it between hard surfaces.
'graɪnd
To reduce (something) to small particles by crushing or rubbing it against a hard surface.
The millstone grinds the grain into flour.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making peanut butter! Grinding is like smashing peanuts super hard so they turn into a smooth paste.
👶 For kids: To crush something into small pieces.
More Examples
He spent hours grinding spices in a mortar and pestle.
The machine is grinding metal to make it a fine powder.
How It's Used
"She is grinding the coffee beans."
"The machine grinds the metal to make a fine powder."
To produce a grating or harsh sound by friction.
'graɪnd
To make a harsh, scraping sound.
The rusty gate's hinges began to grind.
💡 Simply: Remember that squeaky door? That's kind of like grinding. It's a scratchy, noisy sound like something's rubbing the wrong way.
👶 For kids: To make a scratchy, noisy sound.
More Examples
The old truck's engine was grinding.
The dentist's drill was grinding uncomfortably.
How It's Used
"The gears were grinding loudly as the machine started."
"The brakes were grinding, indicating they needed repair."
To work hard, often at a dull or difficult task.
'graɪnd
To perform a difficult or unpleasant task.
She was grinding through the paperwork.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're working super hard at a job that's not fun, like doing chores. Grinding is about putting in a lot of effort, even if it's not enjoyable.
👶 For kids: To work hard, even when it's not fun.
More Examples
The new employees had to grind for long hours.
The students are grinding for their exams.
How It's Used
"He's been grinding away at his studies all week."
"The startup founders are grinding to get their business off the ground."
The act or process of grinding.
'graɪndɪŋ
The act of grinding.
The grinding of the spices filled the kitchen with a delicious aroma.
💡 Simply: The grinding is like the action of crushing, like when you grind coffee beans. It's the part where the work is being done to break something down.
👶 For kids: The work of crushing something.
More Examples
The precision grinding of the metal parts was critical for the engine's performance.
The grinding of the wheat into flour was an essential step in the baking process.
How It's Used
"The grinding process must be accurate to produce a flawless product."
"The grinding of the concrete floor made the surface smooth."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
grind someone down
To make someone feel worn down or exhausted through relentless demands or pressure.
"The constant deadlines and workload eventually ground him down."
the daily grind
The routine, often tiring, work or tasks that make up a normal day.
"She's tired of the daily grind and wants a change of pace."
From Middle English *grinden, from Old English *grindan* ('to grind, sharpen, crush'), from Proto-Germanic *grindaną*. Related to German *greifen* ('to grip').
The word 'grind' has been used since Old English times and has consistently referred to crushing or reducing something to a fine powder. It's also expanded to describe difficult or repetitive tasks over the centuries.
Memory tip
Think of a coffee grinder crushing beans into grounds.
Word Origin
"to grind, sharpen, crush"