The word "rawness" is spelled with six letters, and its phonetic transcription is /ˈrɔː.nəs/. The first sound is the voiced alveolar fricative /r/, followed by the open-mid back vowel /ɔː/. Then, the nasal consonant /n/ is pronounced, and the second vowel is the schwa sound /ə/. Finally, the unvoiced alveolar fricative /s/ completes the word. "Rawness" means the state of being raw, unprocessed or unrefined, and it is often used in contexts related to emotions or artistic expression.
Rawness can be defined as a state or quality of being in an unrefined, unprocessed, or uncooked condition. It refers to the natural and untouched state of something, often presented without any refinement or alterations.
In a literal sense, rawness can describe food that has not been cooked, such as raw vegetables or meat. It implies the absence of heat or processing that would typically occur during cooking or preparation.
Metaphorically, rawness can extend beyond culinary contexts and can be used to describe emotions, experiences, or artistic works. In this sense, rawness suggests the absence of polish, refinement, or concealment. It conveys a sense of genuineness and authenticity, often associated with intense emotions, vulnerability, or honesty. For example, one might describe a piece of writing, music, or performance as having a raw quality if it evokes powerful emotions and appears unfiltered or unedited.
Rawness can also be attributed to physical attributes or conditions, such as skin or wounds that are sensitive, tender, or exposed. It implies a lack of protection or insulation, making it susceptible to damage or harm.
Overall, rawness signifies a state of being unprocessed, unrefined, or uncooked, whether in a literal or metaphorical sense, and is often associated with authenticity, vulnerability, and intensity.
The state of being raw; uncooked; state of being inexperienced; chilliness with dampness.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "rawness" is derived from the Old English word "hrāw" which means "uncooked" or "unprocessed". It is related to the Middle Dutch word "rāw" and the Old High German word "rōh", both of which share the same meaning. Over time, the word "raw" evolved to include figurative senses such as "unrefined", "inexperienced", or "lacking refinement or sophistication". From this, the word "rawness" emerged, referring to the state or quality of being raw.