Scratchier

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by a rough or irritating texture, often causing discomfort when touched or rubbed against the skin; describing a sound that is harsh and unpleasant, often marked by a noticeable raspiness; indicating a comparison to a less smooth or softer quality, suggesting an increase in roughness or irritability
2. Exhibiting a more abrasive or chafing quality, making it unpleasant to the touch or hearing; representing an intensified harshness in tone, typically indicating an unwelcome auditory experience; conveying a greater level of roughness compared to an alternative, often leading to increased discomfort
3. Reflective of a heightened level of scratchiness that irritates contact or sound perception; marking a distinction of sound or touch that is notably harsher and more grating; alluding to a comparative degree of roughness that surpasses other textures or sounds

Etymology: "Scratchier" is simply the comparative of "scratchy," so its story is the story of its base. "Scratchy" is formed by adding the suffix "-y" to "scratch," which gives the sense of being full of, or characterised by, scratching or rough texture. The "-y" ending is an old and productive English adjective-forming suffix, traceable through Middle English and Old English, so "scratchy" describes something that feels like it has been scratched or can scratch. The comparative "-ier" follows the usual pattern for adjectives ending in "-y," where the "y" changes to "i" before the ending is added.

Antonyms: smoother