rahway
HighNeutral (used across formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
In a natural, unprocessed, or uncooked state; without refinement or adjustment.
Used to describe data, emotions, talent, or conditions that are unfiltered, unedited, or harshly exposed.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often connotes a lack of preparation, protection, or refinement, which can imply either positive authenticity or negative harshness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. Minor differences in collocational preference (e.g., 'raw data' is universal, but 'raw deal' may be slightly more frequent in AmE).
Connotations
Similar connotations of authenticity, vulnerability, and harshness in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
ADJ + N (raw material)V + in + raw state (exists in a raw state)ADJ + from + N (raw from the experience)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a raw deal (unfair treatment)”
- “touch a raw nerve (upset by mentioning a sensitive subject)”
- “in the raw (in a natural, often naked, state)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to unprocessed inputs or unanalyzed data ('raw materials', 'raw figures').
Academic
Used to describe unanalyzed data or primary sources.
Everyday
Most commonly used for food ('raw vegetables'), weather ('raw day'), or emotions ('raw feeling').
Technical
In computing/media: 'raw format' (unprocessed file); in medicine: 'raw wound'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The survey results are based on raw data from the census.
- It was a raw, windy afternoon on the moors.
- She has a raw, untrained singing ability.
American English
- We imported the raw materials for manufacturing.
- His criticism left a raw emotional wound.
- The steak was served raw in the centre.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Don't eat raw meat.
- Carrots can be eaten raw.
- The factory needs raw materials like iron and wood.
- Her performance showed raw talent.
- The report analysed the raw data from the clinical trials.
- He was still raw from the recent argument.
- The director's cut presented the film's raw, unvarnished narrative.
- Exposure to the raw elements without proper gear was perilous.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RAW carrot: it's crunchy, unprepared, and in its natural state.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURAL STATE IS RAW (e.g., raw talent, raw emotion). LACK OF PREPARATION IS BEING EXPOSED/UNCOOKED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'сырой' meaning 'damp' or 'unfinished' in a qualitative sense. English 'raw' does not mean damp. For 'сырая погода', use 'damp weather' or 'raw weather' is acceptable but less common.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'raw' to describe an uncooked person (incorrect). Using 'raw' for 'rare' (steak). Overusing 'raw' to mean simply 'bad' or 'unpleasant'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'raw' used incorrectly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but usually metaphorically to mean inexperienced, vulnerable, or emotionally exposed (e.g., 'a raw recruit', 'feeling raw').
'Rare' is the correct term for lightly cooked steak. 'Raw' means completely uncooked.
No, 'raw data' can refer to any unprocessed information, whether from notebooks, surveys, or sensors.
Yes, when associated with authenticity, natural power, or honesty (e.g., 'raw talent', 'raw beauty', 'raw emotion').