Aching: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'aching' to describe a consistent, dull pain that may not be intense but is steady and persistent. It is often used for emotional pain as well.

• My muscles are aching after the workout
• She felt an aching sense of loneliness

Use 'sore' to describe a pain that is tender to the touch or feels irritated, often following minor injury or overuse. It is usually less intense compared to 'painful'.

• His throat was sore after yelling all night
• My legs are sore from running

Use 'throbbing' for pain that pulses and intensifies with each pulse, often related to headaches or injuries.

• She had a throbbing headache all day
• His finger was throbbing after he hit it with the hammer

Use 'painful' for situations where the pain is quite intense and causes significant discomfort. This can be both physical and emotional pain.

• The injection was painful
• It was a painful memory that she couldn't forget

Use this when describing a continuous, often dull pain, either physical or emotional. It implies a prolonged discomfort.

• My muscles were aching after the long hike.
• She had an aching longing to see her family again.

This word is versatile and can describe both physical or emotional pain. It is more immediate and can be used in various situations.

• He hurt his knee while playing soccer.
• Her comments really hurt my feelings.

Typically used to describe a repetitive, rhythmic pain, usually in a specific area of the body. It conveys a pulsing sensation.

• His headache made his temples throb.
• The wound was throbbing painfully after the accident.

Best used for describing a sudden, sharp feeling of emotional or physical pain. This word often emphasizes an intense but brief experience.

• She felt a pang of guilt after lying to her friend.
• He experienced a pang of hunger after skipping lunch.