adj., rud·er, rud·est.
- Relatively undeveloped; primitive: a rude and savage land; a rude agricultural implement.
- Being in a crude, rough, unfinished condition: a rude thatched hut.
- Exhibiting a marked lack of skill or precision in work: rude crafts.
- In a natural, raw state: bales of rude cotton.
- Lacking the graces and refinement of civilized life; uncouth.
- Lacking education or knowledge; unlearned.
- Ill-mannered; discourteous: rude behavior.
- Vigorous, robust, and sturdy.
- Abruptly and unpleasantly forceful: received a rude shock.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin rudis.]
rudely rude'ly adv.rudeness rude'ness n.
SYNONYMS rude, crude, primitive, raw, rough. These adjectives mean marked by a lack of skill and finish: a rude hut; a crude drawing; primitive kitchen facilities; a raw wooden canoe; a rough sketch.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
