touching

American  

[tuhch-ing] / ˈtʌtʃ ɪŋ /

adjective

1. affecting; moving; pathetic.

   a touching scene of farewell.

   Synonyms:

   piteous, poignant, stirring

2. that touches.

   Synonyms:

   tangent

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preposition

1. in reference or relation to; concerning; about.

   He wrote touching future plans.

touching British  

/ ˈtʌtʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. evoking or eliciting tender feelings

   your sympathy is touching

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preposition

1. on the subject of; relating to

Other Word Forms

• touchingly adverb
• touchingness noun
• untouching adjective

Etymology

Origin of touching

First recorded in 1250–1300; touch + -ing ²

Example Sentences

"With the long-awaited four-day Easter weekend almost within touching distance, the cost of getting away by car is going to be noticeably higher this year," said RAC head of policy Simon Williams.

From BBC

"There are even some rather moving, rather touching details -- namely, its silk lining shows clear signs of perspiration," he said.

From Barron's

Mortgage rates climbed for a fourth straight week following the start of U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, and they are now touching levels last seen in September.

From MarketWatch

Most people recognize the sharp sting of touching ice or cold metal.

From Science Daily

It ended up spooned over chicken, rice and greens, the whole thing rich without ever touching cream.

From Salon

Related Words

• heartbreaking
• pathetic
• poignant
• sad
• stirring
• stunning
• wistful