itchy
- 01 B1 Intermediate
having a feeling on your skin that makes you want to scratch it.
experiencing a localized or generalized sensation of pruritus that elicits the urge to scratch.
Simple“My arm is really itchy after that mosquito bit me yesterday.”
In context“The patient reported feeling itchy across his torso, though no visible rash was present during the initial examination.”
SynonymspruriticticklishAntonymssoothed - 02 B1 Intermediate
describing something that makes your skin feel like it needs to be scratched.
producing or capable of inducing an itching sensation upon contact with the skin.
Simple“I can't wear this itchy wool sweater without a shirt underneath.”
In context“The insulation material was notoriously itchy, requiring the workers to wear full protective suits to avoid skin irritation.”
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
feeling very impatient or eager to do something or go somewhere.
characterized by a restless or impatient desire to act; often used in the idiom 'itchy feet'.
Simple“After three years in the same job, he started getting itchy feet.”
In context“The soldiers grew itchy as the hours passed without orders, their nerves frayed by the prolonged period of inactivity.”
From Middle English yicchy, ȝicchi, from Old English ġiċċiġ (“itchy”), equivalent to itch + -y. Cognate with Scots yeukie (“itchy”), West Frisian jokkerich (“itchy”), Dutch jeukachtig and jeukerig (“itchy”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.