from scratch

F f

Definitions of from scratch words

verb with object from scratch to break, mar, or mark the surface of by rubbing, scraping, or tearing with something sharp or rough: to scratch one's hand on a nail. 1
verb with object from scratch to dig, scrape, or tear (something) out or off with or as if with the nails, claws, etc.: to scratch the burs off one's coat. 1
verb with object from scratch to rub or scrape slightly, as with the fingernails, to relieve itching. 1
verb with object from scratch to rub or draw along a rough, grating surface: to scratch a match on the sidewalk. 1
verb with object from scratch to erase, cancel, strike out, or eliminate (a name, something written, etc.) by or as if by drawing a line through it (often followed by out): Scratch out the third name on the list. 1
verb with object from scratch to withdraw (an entry) from a race or competition. 1

before 1425

One of the 25% oldest English words

1425-75; late Middle English scracche (v.), blend of Middle English scratte to scratch, and cracche to scratch; cognate with Middle Dutch cratsen

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 90% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

initially — of, relating to, or occurring at the beginning; first: the initial step in a process.
from the ground up — the solid surface of the earth; firm or dry land: to fall to the ground.