touch

B1 · Intermediate

v. to make someone feel a strong emotion, like sadness or gratitude.

v. to elicit a strong emotional response, typically sympathy, gratitude, or compassion.

“I was deeply touched by the kind letter you sent me.”

“The audience was visibly touched by the soloist's performance, which captured the melancholy of the piece with extraordinary sensitivity.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to reach a certain point, level, or quality.

v. to reach or attain a specific standard, amount, or level. Often used in negative constructions to mean 'cannot compare to'.

“Temperatures touched thirty degrees during the heatwave.”

“While many brands attempt to replicate this traditional recipe, none can quite touch the quality of the original handmade version.”

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. one of the five senses; the ability to feel things with your skin.

n. the tactile sense by which contact with the body is perceived.

“The fabric was very soft to the touch.”

“The nerve damage in his fingertips had significantly dulled his sense of touch, making delicate tasks nearly impossible.”

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

n. being in contact or communication with someone.

n. the state of being in communication or having current knowledge about something. Usually in the phrases 'in touch' or 'out of touch'.

“Let's keep in touch while you are away at university.”

“Despite living in different hemispheres for a decade, the two researchers remained in close touch via weekly correspondence.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a very small amount of something.

n. a slight amount, trace, or degree of a quality or substance. Often used with 'of'.

Español:pizca

“The soup needs a touch more salt.”

“The designer added a touch of gold leaf to the frame, providing just enough shimmer to catch the light without appearing gaudy.”

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. a special skill or a personal way of doing something.

n. a distinctive manner or method of handling something; also refers to a person's level of skill or aptitude.

Español:toque

“The garden really shows a professional's touch.”

“The chef's light touch with delicate seafood ensured that the natural flavours were enhanced rather than overwhelmed by the sauce.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Music Technical

n. the way a musician hits the keys or strings of an instrument.

n. the manner or style of striking the keys of a piano or the strings of an instrument to produce a specific tone.

“The pianist is famous for her delicate touch.”

“His heavy-handed touch on the organ was ill-suited to the subtle nuances required for the Baroque repertoire.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Slang · Informal

n. an attempt to get money from someone by asking or tricking them.

n. an act of soliciting money or a favour, often from an acquaintance. Informal and often carries a slightly negative connotation.

“He's always an easy touch for anyone with a sad story.”

“Knowing his uncle was a soft touch, he prepared a convincing explanation for why he needed an immediate loan.”