Aching: meaning, definitions and examples

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aching

[ˈeɪkɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Suffering a dull and continuous pain.

Synonyms

painful, sore, throbbing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aching	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
sore	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
throbbing	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
painful	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

Examples of usage

My head is aching after a long day at work.
She had an aching back from lifting heavy boxes.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

physical pain

To suffer a continuous dull pain.

Synonyms

hurt, pang, throb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
aching	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.
hurt	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.
throb	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.
pang	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.

Examples of usage

My feet are aching after standing all day.
He ached all over after the intense workout.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old English 'acan,' which means 'to ache' or 'to suffer pain.'
Related words in other languages, like 'aîné' in French, show a similar connection to pain.
It has been used in literature since the 14th century to describe both physical and emotional discomfort.

Health and Medicine

Aching can be a sign of muscle fatigue after exercise, signaling that the body needs time to recover.
Chronic aching may indicate underlying health issues, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Pain relievers and physical therapy are common treatments for persistent aching, helping to relieve discomfort.

Psychology

Studies show that emotional pain can manifest physically, causing real aching in the body.
Feelings of sadness and loss often lead to descriptions of 'heartache' or 'aches' in literature and therapy.
The concept of ache can highlight the connection between mental and physical health – both need care.

Pop Culture

Many songs and poems reference aching to express deep emotions, from heartbreak to nostalgia.
The phrase 'aching heart' is often used in romantic contexts, appealing to audiences' feelings of love and loss.
Movies frequently depict characters who 'ache' for their loved ones, emphasizing the emotional side of longing.

Art

Artists often depict the theme of aching through visual representations of struggle, despair, or yearning.
In many classical works, characters are shown with aching expressions that convey their internal conflicts.
Modern art sometimes uses abstract forms to express the emotional and physical sensations associated with aching.

Translations

Translations of the word "aching" in other languages:

🇵🇹 doendo

🇮🇳 दर्द

🇩🇪 schmerzend

🇮🇩 sakit

🇺🇦 болісний

🇵🇱 bolący

🇯🇵 痛い

🇫🇷 douloureux

🇪🇸 dolorido

🇹🇷 ağrılı

🇰🇷 아픈

🇸🇦 مؤلم

🇨🇿 bolestivý

🇸🇰 bolestivý

🇨🇳 痛

🇸🇮 boleč

🇮🇸 verkja

🇰🇿 ауырсыну

🇬🇪 მტკივნეული

🇦🇿 ağrılı

🇲🇽 dolorido

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,950, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
12947 provoking
12948 vibrating
12949 belligerent
12950 aching
12951 transcendent
12952 indigent
12953 momentous
...