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

---

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

---

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

It would have been fitting for either of Root or Stokes to be at the crease when victory was completed, though both were dismissed when victory was in touching distance.

From BBC

Nancy and Jonathan, at one point, are bracing for imminent death and find themselves having this touching and tender moment, sharing confessions and hard truths.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the most touching moments for James was when he messaged Tommy to say he was with Jude, and Tommy replied "brother".

From BBC

Despite dealing with an oratorio, “The Choral” is more of a medley, briefly touching on one theme after another, but never convincingly.

From The Wall Street Journal

The charming Mr. Cooley, for instance, reveals how Leaf’s confidence is slowly building in the touching solo “I’m Not That Smart.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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