Word
tickled
Phoneticstick·led, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɪkəɫd/
UK/tˈɪkəld/
Informal
Definition
adj. very happy or pleased about something. You use this when someone tells you a nice compliment or gives you good news.
adj. extremely pleased, amused, or gratified by a particular event or comment. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be' or 'feel'.
Examples
“I was tickled to hear that you won the prize.”
“She was absolutely tickled when her favorite author replied to her message on social media.”
“The veteran actor was visibly tickled by the standing ovation, having expected a much more reserved reception from the younger audience members.”
Examples
simple
“I was tickled to hear that you won the prize.”
contextual
“She was absolutely tickled when her favorite author replied to her message on social media.”
complex
“The veteran actor was visibly tickled by the standing ovation, having expected a much more reserved reception from the younger audience members.”
Usage
Often followed by the infinitive 'to' or the prepositional phrase 'by' to indicate the source of pleasure.
Real-World Examples
“Why do we laugh when we are tickled?” Idioms
01. tickled pink
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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