adjective
Common
touched
tuhcht
Touched (adjective) means Emotionally moved, often with gratitude or tenderness. Example: “She was touched by the surprise party her friends had planned.”
adjective
1
Emotionally moved, often with gratitude or tenderness.
"She was touched by the surprise party her friends had planned."
"He seemed genuinely touched by the kind letter."
"I was deeply touched when my neighbours brought us dinner after the baby was born."
2
Informal: slightly mentally unstable or eccentric.
"The old man was harmless, just a little touched."
"People in the village said the old woman was a bit touched, since she talked to her hens."
"Everyone thought he was slightly touched because he wore a paper crown to the shops."
How to use touched
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFeeling moved or grateful because of something kind, or (informally) being a bit odd or unstable.
When to use it
The "mentally unstable" sense is informal and can sound dismissive or old-fashioned — use carefully.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more touched
- Superlative
- most touched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was _____ by the surprise party her friends had planned.
Related words
Rhymes for touched
See all rhymes for touched →Frequently asked questions
What does “touched” mean?
The word “touched” means emotionally moved, often with gratitude or tenderness. In plain terms, feeling moved or grateful because of something kind, or (informally) being a bit odd or unstable.
How do you pronounce “touched”?
“Touched” is pronounced tuhcht (/tʌt͡ʃt/ in IPA).
How do you use “touched” in a sentence?
Here is “touched” used in a sentence: “She was touched by the surprise party her friends had planned.”
What part of speech is “touched”?
“Touched” is an adjective.
Is “touched” a common word?
“Touched” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “touched” have?
“Touched” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: emotionally moved, often with gratitude or tenderness.
What is the difference between 'touched' and 'moved'?
Both describe being emotionally affected, but 'touched' specifically suggests warmth, gratitude, or tenderness in response to someone's kindness. 'Moved' is broader and can cover a wider range of strong feelings, including sadness or awe, not just gratitude.
How do you tell which meaning of 'touched' is intended?
Context and the words around it usually make it clear. 'Touched by her generosity' signals the emotional, grateful sense, while 'a bit touched' used about a person points to the informal 'eccentric' meaning.
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