moving
MOO-vihng
Moving (adjective) means causing strong feelings, especially sadness or sympathy. Example: “The film's final scene was so moving that most of the audience were in tears.”
adjective
1
Causing strong feelings, especially sadness or sympathy.
"The film's final scene was so moving that most of the audience were in tears."
"Her speech about her grandmother was a deeply moving one."
"It was a moving tribute to her late husband."
2
In motion; not stationary.
"The photographer used a slow shutter speed to capture the blurred, moving water."
"Keep your hands inside the carriage while the ride is moving."
"Never jump off a moving vehicle."
noun
1
The process of relocating belongings or residence.
"Moving is one of the most stressful life events."
"Moving took the whole weekend because we had so many boxes."
"The moving of the piano needed four strong helpers."
How to use moving
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that stirs emotion, something in motion, or the act of relocating.
Common pairings
moving speech
moving vehicle
moving day
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Word forms
- Plural
- movings
- Comparative
- more moving
- Superlative
- most moving
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The film's final scene was so _____ that most of the audience were in tears.
Etymology
From "move" plus "-ing."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
nonemotional
nonpersuasive
nonexpressive
nonmeaningful
nonsignificant
nonemotive
nondisturbing
nonarousing
Related words
Rhymes for moving
See all rhymes for moving →Frequently asked questions
What does “moving” mean?
The word “moving” means causing strong feelings, especially sadness or sympathy. In plain terms, something that stirs emotion, something in motion, or the act of relocating.
How do you pronounce “moving”?
“Moving” is pronounced MOO-vihng (/ˈmuːvɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “moving” in a sentence?
Here is “moving” used in a sentence: “It was a moving tribute to her late husband.”
What is another word for “moving”?
Words with a similar meaning to “moving” include affecting, striking, eloquent, emotional, persuasive and stunning.
What is the opposite of “moving”?
The opposite of “moving” — its antonyms — are nonemotional, nonpersuasive, nonexpressive, nonmeaningful and nonsignificant.
What part of speech is “moving”?
Depending on how it is used, “moving” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “moving” a common word?
“Moving” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “moving” have?
“Moving” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: causing strong feelings, especially sadness or sympathy.
What is the difference between 'moving' and 'touching'?
Both describe something that stirs deep emotion. Touching tends to be gentle and warm, often bringing tenderness or a quiet lump in the throat. Moving is usually stronger, capable of bringing tears or profound feeling. A kind gesture is touching; a powerful film or eulogy is moving.
How is 'moving' meaning emotional different from moving meaning motion?
They share a spelling but differ in sense. This moving is an adjective meaning emotionally powerful, as in a moving tribute. The other moving relates to physical motion or relocating home, as in the moving van. Context makes the meaning clear: one stirs the heart, the other describes movement.
What is an example of something 'moving'?
A moving film might leave the audience in tears; a moving speech can stir a whole room; a moving letter from a loved one may bring a lump to the throat. Reunions, tributes, and acts of great kindness are often described as deeply moving experiences.
Is 'moving' a positive or negative word?
It is generally positive, or at least admiring; calling something moving is a compliment that acknowledges its emotional power. The feelings it stirs may be sad, as in a moving farewell, yet the word praises that depth of emotion rather than criticising it. It signals genuine, heartfelt impact.
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