Definition

In a way that is harsh or irritating to the senses.

Example

The music played gratingly, making it hard to concentrate.

Conversation

Have you ever heard that song by the new band?

Yeah, I find their lead singer's voice a bit gratingly high-pitched.

I know what you mean; it can be hard to listen to sometimes.

Exactly! I wish they would tone it down a little.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gratingly → It is formed from "grate" (from Old French *grater*, meaning to scrape or scratch) and "-ingly" (a suffix used to form adverbs). The word "gratingly" describes something that is done in a manner that causes irritation or annoyance, often by scraping or scratching sounds.

Memory Tip

Think of the action of 'scraping' ('grate') that can be irritating, and remember that 'gratingly' describes something done in an annoying way.

Visually Confused Words