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

It was like touching exposed wire and getting a sharp jolt.

From Literature

Because not only did we have all of those rules about not talking and not touching, but every day we were supposed to be getting better at following them.

From Literature

He leaned forward until his chin was almost touching his knees.

From Literature

Mr. Palmer walked half a city block out of his way to get past the wires without touching them.

From Literature

Until then, visitors have been urged to help protect the site by not touching the exposed timbers.

From BBC

Related Words

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