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Rebarbative: companion reading notes
Rebarbative (adjective): Unpleasant in a way that repels, irritates or discourages people.
How to use it
This uncommon, formal adjective is strongly critical. It can describe a manner, style or piece of writing. In everyday feedback, explain the specific difficulty instead of simply labelling a person rebarbative.
Examples to practise aloud
- The rebarbative tone of the letter made cooperation harder.
- Readers struggled with the bookโs rebarbative opening chapter.
Check your understanding
Is rebarbative usually a compliment or a criticism?
Check your answer
A criticism. It suggests something off-putting or irritating.
Make it your own
Choose one example above and change its situation while keeping the meaning of rebarbative. Say your new sentence aloud, then check the word form and tone against the usage note.
Continue with our rebarbative reading lesson
Reference: Merriam-Webster: Rebarbative. Examples and practice are written for this lesson.
Turn watching into practice
- Listen for a word or phrase you want to learn. Pause and repeat it aloud.
- Write its meaning in your own words, then replay to check your understanding.
- Create a sentence about your own life. Say it aloud without looking at your notes.