[rude] adj rud.er ; rud.est [ME, fr. MF, fr. L rudis; prob. akin to L rudus rubble] (14c) 1 a: being in a rough or unfinished state: crude "~ line illustrations" b: natural, raw "~ cotton" c: primitive, undeveloped "peasants use ~ wooden plows --Jack Raymond" d: simple, elemental "landscape done in ~ 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 "~ workmanship"
4: robust, sturdy "in ~ health"
5: occurring abruptly and disconcertingly "a ~ awakening" -- rude.ly adv syn 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 and ignorant of civilized amenities "a crude joke". raw suggests being untested, inexperienced, or unfinished "turning raw youths into polished performers".