Basic Details
Word: Scratch
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
Meaning: To scrape or rub a surface with something sharp or rough, or a mark made by doing this.
Synonyms: Scrape, graze, score
Antonyms: Smooth, polish, repair
Idioms and Phrases
- Scratch the surface: To only deal with a small part of a problem or situation. Example: "Weve only scratched the surface of this research; theres much more to explore."
- Starting from scratch: To begin again with nothing; to start over. Example: "After the flood, they had to start from scratch to rebuild their home."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Be careful not to scratch the table when you move the vase.
Example 2: The cat loves to scratch its claws on the scratching post.
Example 3: After working all night, I felt like I was starting from scratch on my project.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "scratch" originally comes from the Middle English word "scrat" which means to "scratch" or "scrape"? It has been used in English for many centuries!
Famous Quote
"You can't do it all, and you can't do it all at once. Always start from scratch." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "scratch" mean?
a) To kiss
b) To cook
c) To scrape a surface
d) To read a book
Answer: c) To scrape a surface
2. Which of these is a synonym of "scratch"?
a) Scrape
b) Jump
c) Sing
d) Dance
Answer: a) Scrape
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "scratch"?
a) Score
b) Smooth
c) Graze
d) Create
Answer: b) Smooth
4. Which sentence uses "scratch" correctly?
a) I will scratch my favourite song.
b) The dog scratched its ear with its paw.
c) The artist will scratch a painting.
d) They will scratch the tree for fruits.
Answer: b) The dog scratched its ear with its paw.
5. What does the idiom "start from scratch" mean?
a) To begin with help
b) To begin over again
c) To work without a plan
d) To finish something
Answer: b) To begin over again
