Pronunciation: /ɡreɪt/

Definitions of grate

noun a frame of metal bars for holding fuel when burning, as in a fireplace, furnace, or stove

Example Sentences

A1 I use a cheese grate to shred cheese for my pasta.

A2 The metal grate on the sidewalk was rusty and old.

B1 The grate on the fireplace kept the embers from flying out.

B2 The sound of the grate being dragged across the floor was deafening.

C1 The grate of the prison cell window was the only connection to the outside world.

C2 The intricate design of the metal grate in the cathedral was a work of art.

verb to reduce something to small particles by rubbing it against a rough surface or to annoy or irritate someone

Example Sentences

A1 I grate cheese to put on top of my pasta.

A2 She grates carrots to add to her salad.

B1 The chef grated some lemon zest into the sauce for extra flavor.

B2 He gratefully accepted the award for his hard work.

C1 The sound of the metal grating against the pavement was deafening.

C2 She was able to gratefully acknowledge the support of her team in achieving success.

Examples of grate in a Sentence

formal She used a cheese grate to finely shred the Parmesan for the pasta dish.

informal I'll grate some fresh ginger into the stir-fry for extra flavor.

slang I can't stand him, he really grates on my nerves.

figurative The constant noise of the construction next door grated on her patience.

Grammatical Forms of grate

past tense

grated

plural

grates

comparative

greater

superlative

greatest

present tense

grates

future tense

will grate

perfect tense

have grated

continuous tense

is grating

singular

grate

positive degree

great

infinitive

to grate

gerund

grating

participle

grating

Origin and Evolution of grate

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old French
Story behind the word: The word 'grate' originated from the Old French word 'grater' which means 'to scrape or scratch'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'grate' evolved to also refer to a framework of metal bars used for grilling or as a barrier.