B2 noun Neutral

brushed

/brʌʃt/

In technical and design contexts, a 'brushed' finish refers to a surface texture created by rubbing material with a fine abrasive, resulting in a matte, non-reflective appearance with fine parallel lines. It is commonly used in material science, architecture, and manufacturing to describe specific physical properties of metals or fabrics.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The homeowner chose a brushed finish for the kitchen appliances to hide fingerprints.

The homeowner chose a brushed finish for the kitchen appliances to hide fingerprints.

2

Specifications for the new skyscraper include brushed aluminum panels for the exterior cladding.

Specifications for the new skyscraper include brushed aluminum panels for the exterior cladding.

3

I really like the feel of this brushed cotton shirt; it's so soft.

I really like the feel of this brushed cotton shirt; it's so soft.

Word Family

Noun
brushing
Verb
brush
Adjective
brushed
Related
brushwork
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Memory Tip

Think of a hairbrush moving in straight lines. A 'brushed' surface looks like it has been combed with many tiny, invisible needles to remove its shine.

Quick Quiz

The interior designer suggested using ________ nickel for the bathroom fixtures to minimize the visibility of water spots.

Correct!

The correct answer is: brushed

Examples

1

The homeowner chose a brushed finish for the kitchen appliances to hide fingerprints.

everyday

The homeowner chose a brushed finish for the kitchen appliances to hide fingerprints.

2

Specifications for the new skyscraper include brushed aluminum panels for the exterior cladding.

formal

Specifications for the new skyscraper include brushed aluminum panels for the exterior cladding.

3

I really like the feel of this brushed cotton shirt; it's so soft.

informal

I really like the feel of this brushed cotton shirt; it's so soft.

4

The experiment compared the surface friction of polished steel versus a brushed alloy.

academic

The experiment compared the surface friction of polished steel versus a brushed alloy.

5

Our product catalog now offers a premium brushed gold option for all luxury watches.

business

Our product catalog now offers a premium brushed gold option for all luxury watches.

Word Family

Noun
brushing
Verb
brush
Adjective
brushed
Related
brushwork

Common Collocations

brushed aluminum brushed aluminum
brushed nickel brushed nickel
brushed cotton brushed cotton
brushed steel brushed steel
brushed finish brushed finish

Common Phrases

brushed aside

dismissed or ignored something

brushed up on

improved one's knowledge of something

brushed look

a specific aesthetic style characterized by matte texture

Often Confused With

brushed vs blushed

Blushed refers to the face turning red from embarrassment, while brushed refers to surface texture or the act of cleaning.

brushed vs crushed

Crushed means flattened or broken by pressure, whereas brushed means treated with an abrasive or a brush.

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Usage Notes

While 'brushed' is technically a past participle of the verb 'brush', it is used as a standalone noun or adjective in the design and manufacturing industries to categorize a specific material finish. In academic writing, it often appears in descriptions of material preparation or methodology.

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Common Mistakes

Learners often treat 'brushed' as only a verb. They may also confuse 'brushed' with 'brushing' when referring to the ongoing process rather than the resulting state of the material.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a hairbrush moving in straight lines. A 'brushed' surface looks like it has been combed with many tiny, invisible needles to remove its shine.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle English word 'brusshe', originating from the Old French 'brosse', meaning brushwood or a tool made from twigs.

Grammar Patterns

Usually functions as an attributive adjective or a participle in a passive construction. When used as a noun in technical jargon, it is uncountable. The suffix '-ed' is pronounced as /t/ because the preceding sound /ʃ/ is voiceless.

Quick Quiz

The interior designer suggested using ________ nickel for the bathroom fixtures to minimize the visibility of water spots.

Correct!

The correct answer is: brushed

Related Words

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

at

A1

A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.

but

A1

A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.

his

A1

This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.

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