Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌfənz] (IPA) 
The word "roughens" is spelled with one "f" and two "n's" despite the "f" sound at the end of the word. This is due to the rule of doubling the final consonant after a short vowel when adding a suffix that begins with a vowel. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced ['rʌfənz], with the stress on the first syllable and the final "s" pronounced as a voiced "z" sound.
The verb "roughens" describes the action of making the surface of an object or material uneven, coarse, or irregular in texture. It involves altering a smooth or polished surface to give it a rough or rugged appearance.
When applied to an object, "roughens" typically refers to the process of intentionally creating roughness or coarseness. This can be achieved through actions such as sanding, scraping, or using abrasive materials on the surface. By doing so, the object loses its original smoothness and gains a rougher texture.
The process of roughening can be seen in various contexts, including woodworking, metalworking, and even in the treatment of materials like fabrics or papers. Roughening surfaces can also be carried out for aesthetic purposes, creating a more visually interesting or textured appearance.
In addition, "roughens" can also describe a natural process that occurs over time as a result of wear and tear or exposure to environmental factors like weathering. For example, when an old wall or pavement develops cracks or unevenness, one can say that its surface has roughened.
Overall, the term "roughens" implies altering the texture of a material or surface, either intentionally or as a natural consequence, resulting in a loss of smoothness and the introduction of roughness or unevenness.
The word "roughens" is derived from the base word "rough" combined with the suffix "-en" which indicates a process of making something rough. The root word "rough" originated from the Old English word "ruh" meaning coarse or uneven. It has Germanic origins and is related to the Old High German word "ruoch" and the Old Norse word "rukr". The suffix "-en" is a common suffix in English which transforms a noun or an adjective into a verb, indicating the action of making something rough.
