touching
adj. · prep. · n.-
1 emotionally moving (adj.) B1 Intermediatemaking you feel a strong emotion, especially sadness, sympathy, or love.
evoking a strong emotional response, particularly one of pathos, sympathy, or tenderness.
ExampleThe movie had a very touching ending that made many people in the audience cry.
ExampleThe veteran gave a touching speech about his fallen comrades, leaving the entire assembly in a state of reflective silence.
- unmoving
- indifferent
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2 physically in contact (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatebeing close enough to something that there is no space between them.
being in a state of physical contact or juxtaposition with no intervening space.
ExampleThe two houses were so close that their roofs were almost touching.
ExampleThe surveyor noted that the two properties were touching at the northern boundary, creating a shared maintenance responsibility for the fence.
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3 about or concerning (prep.) C1 Advanced Formalabout or relating to a specific subject.
concerning or regarding a particular matter; often used to introduce a topic in formal correspondence.
ExampleThe lawyer asked several questions touching the events of that night.
ExampleThe committee released a brief statement touching the recent allegations, though they declined to provide specific details until the investigation concluded.
UsageUsually placed before the noun phrase it governs.
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4 the act of contact (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe action of putting your hand or another part of your body on something.
the physical act of making contact with a surface or object.
ExampleThe gentle touching of the fabric helped the designer decide which one to buy.
ExampleIn certain religious ceremonies, the ritual touching of the altar signifies a transition from the profane to the sacred.
From Middle English touchynge, equivalent to touch + -ing.
From Middle English touching, touchinge, touchynge, equivalent to touch + -ing.