adj.
Pronunciation: ' rüd
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: rud · er ; rud · est
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin rudis; probably akin to Latin rudus rubble
Date: 14th century
1 a : being in a rough or unfinished state : CRUDE < rude line illustrations> b : NATURAL , RAW < rude cotton> c : PRIMITIVE , UNDEVELOPED <peasants use rude wooden plows ― Jack Raymond> d : SIMPLE , ELEMENTAL <landscape done in rude whites, blacks, deep browns ― Richard Harris>
2 : lacking refinement or delicacy: a : IGNORANT , UNLEARNED b : INELEGANT , UNCOUTH c : offensive in manner or action : DISCOURTEOUS d : UNCIVILIZED , SAVAGE e : COARSE , VULGAR
3 : marked by or suggestive of lack of training or skill : INEXPERIENCED < rude workmanship>
4 : ROBUST , STURDY <in rude health>
5 : occurring abruptly and disconcertingly <a rude awakening>
– rude · ly adverb
synonyms RUDE , ROUGH , CRUDE , RAW mean lacking in social refinement. RUDE implies ignorance of or indifference to good form; it may suggest intentional discourtesy < rude behavior>. ROUGH is likely to stress lack of polish and gentleness < rough manners>. CRUDE may apply to thought or behavior limited to the gross, the obvious, or the primitive <a crude joke>. RAW suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished <turning raw youths into polished performers>.