1 B1 neutral
To remove something by rubbing it repeatedly until it is gone.
"She rubbed away the pencil marks before handing in her work."
separable
rub away
B1 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To remove something by rubbing continuously, or to gradually disappear as a result of rubbing.
In plain English
To make something disappear by rubbing it, or to slowly disappear because of being rubbed.
What does "rub away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
Of an inscription, mark, or surface: to be gradually worn or erased through repeated contact.
"The lettering on the old gravestone had rubbed away over the centuries."
inseparable
Usage tip
Can be used both transitively (rub something away) and intransitively (something rubs away). The 'away' particle emphasises the gradual elimination of the thing being rubbed. Common in practical, everyday contexts.
Words that pair with "rub away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
stain mark paint rust inscription surface
How to conjugate "rub away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rub away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rubs away
he/she/it
Past simple
rubed away
yesterday
Past participle
rubed away
have + pp
-ing form
rubing away
continuous
Hear "rub away" in the wild
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