touching

[tuhch-ing]

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

/ ˈtʌtʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. evoking or eliciting tender feelings

   your sympathy is touching

preposition

1. on the subject of; relating to

Other Word Forms

• touchingness noun
• touchingly adverb
• untouching adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of touching¹

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

Example Sentences

He seizes our attention in every scene, naturalistically conveying Robbie’s touching decency as the walls close in on him.

From Salon

Both have come within touching distance of glory, only to fall agonisingly short.

From BBC

"I challenged the remaining issue of unwanted touching but have had to accept a difference in perception, and I am deeply sorry for any distress caused. It was never intended."

From BBC

Seeing him in that “We Are the World” documentary, I thought it was very touching to see someone like Dylan in a place of vulnerability.

From Los Angeles Times

‘She didn’t hit me. I didn’t hit her. There was no touching. So, to me, it wasn’t no incident.’

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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