scratches
B1Informal to neutral; technical in specific contexts (e.g., veterinary science, audio engineering).
Definition
Meaning
Superficial marks or cuts made by dragging something sharp or rough across a surface.
Injury to the skin; a record scratching sound; superficial writing; a withdrawal from a competition; minor problems or setbacks; informal term for money (chiefly Australian).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Typically implies minor, superficial, or multiple marks/injuries. As a plural noun, often suggests a collection of such marks. Can have literal (physical) or figurative (problems) meanings.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. The Australian slang 'scratches' for money is less common in the UK and US.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties. Minor usage difference: In US horse racing, 'scratches' as a bulletin of withdrawn horses is more common terminology.
Frequency
Comparatively similar frequency. Slight increase in US usage due to popularity of vinyl records ('record scratches') and auto detailing contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N + V: scratches appeared/deepened/healedV + N: sustained/suffered/inflict scratchesADJ + N: superficial/minor/fresh scratchesVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “from scratch (starting from the beginning)”
- “scratch the surface (deal with only superficially)”
- “you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours (mutual favour)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to minor setbacks, budget cuts, or superficial problems in a project.
Academic
Used literally in biological/medical contexts (e.g., 'epidermal scratches in cell migration assays') or figuratively for preliminary analysis.
Everyday
Most common: referring to marks on surfaces (cars, furniture, phones) or minor skin injuries.
Technical
In audio: defects in vinyl records. In materials science: surface imperfections affecting integrity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The cat scratches the new sofa.
- He scratches his head when he's puzzled.
American English
- My key scratched the car door.
- Don't scratch that mosquito bite.
adjective
British English
- A scratch-and-sniff sticker.
- He's just a scratch golfer.
American English
- We built it from scratch ingredients.
- It was a scratch match.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat made scratches on the door.
- I have scratches on my arm from the branches.
- There are a few scratches on my phone screen, but it still works.
- The table got some scratches when we moved it.
- The investigation merely scratches the surface of the corruption scandal.
- The varnish helps to protect the wood from minor scratches and scuffs.
- The pianist dismissed the critique as mere scratches on the surface of a complex oeuvre.
- The alloy's remarkable resistance to micro-scratches makes it ideal for aerospace applications.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cat's claws making marks on a surface - the sound 'scr-a-tch' mimics the action.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE SUPERFICIAL INJURIES / IMPERFECTION IS DAMAGE TO A SURFACE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'царапины' (correct) and 'шрамы' (scars, which are deeper/healed). 'Scratches' are superficial; for deeper cuts, use 'cuts' or 'lacerations'. The verb 'to scratch' an itch is 'чесать', but 'to scratch a surface' is 'царапать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'scratches' for deep wounds (use 'cuts' or 'wounds'). Incorrect pluralisation: 'scratchs'. Confusing 'scratches' (noun) with 'scratches' (3rd person verb).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'scratches' most likely refer to a withdrawal?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily for the result (the marks/injuries). The action is the verb 'to scratch'. However, in contexts like 'the scratches on the record', it refers to the physical marks that cause the sound.
A scratch is superficial, often only affecting the top layer (skin or surface). A cut is deeper, penetrating the layers, often causing bleeding and potentially requiring medical attention like stitches.
Yes. It can refer to minor problems or setbacks ('We've had a few scratches in the plan') or superficial treatment of a subject ('His analysis only made scratches on the issue').
The pronunciation of 'scratches' /ˈskrætʃɪz/ is largely identical in both standard accents. The vowel /æ/ in the first syllable is consistent, and the plural '-es' ending is pronounced the same.