rub away
B1 neutral separable both
In simple words
To make something disappear by rubbing it, or to slowly disappear because of being rubbed.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: separable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
stain mark paint rust inscription surface
Forms
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
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