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Stroking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿพ
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stroking

[หˆstrษ™สŠkษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

petting

The act of gently moving one's hand over someone or something, usually in a soothing or affectionate manner. It can be a form of communication or a way to show love and care.

Synonyms

caressing, gentle touch, petting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stroking

Used to emphasize the repetitive action of moving one's hand over something, similar to the original 'stroking' entry.

  • He kept stroking the old book's binding absentmindedly
  • She was gently stroking the baby's back to put him to sleep
petting

Typically refers to the act of affectionately touching or stroking animals or sometimes people, usually with repeated movements.

  • The child was petting the dog with excitement
  • She was petting his hair while they were watching a movie
caressing

Often implies a loving or affectionate touch, usually between people or towards cherished objects.

  • He was caressing her face lovingly
  • She spent a moment caressing the soft fabric of her wedding dress
gentle touch

Refers to any soft, careful contact that demonstrates tenderness or caution. Could apply to objects or people.

  • He gave the newborn a gentle touch to soothe her
  • The doctor used a gentle touch when examining the injury

Examples of usage

  • She was stroking her cat while reading a book.
  • He was stroking her hair to help her fall asleep.
  • The therapist recommended stroking the baby's back to calm him down.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Gentle touch, such as stroking, can reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness by releasing endorphins in the brain.
  • Studies suggest that physical touch, including stroking, helps build strong emotional bonds between people, especially parents and children.
  • Touching and stroking can help lower heart rates and blood pressure, promoting relaxation.

Art and Craft

  • In painting, artists use stroking techniques to create textures and depth in their artwork, whether on canvas or paper.
  • Stroking is a fundamental method in various crafts, like sewing or knitting, where repetitive motions help create patterns or shapes.
  • The method of stroking is used in the art of calligraphy, helping to achieve different styles of lettering.

Animal Behavior

  • Many animals, like dogs and cats, respond positively to stroking, which can comfort them and strengthen their bond with humans.
  • Stroking a pet can mimic grooming behaviors seen in nature, reinforcing social ties and reducing anxiety for both the animal and person.
  • Certain studies show that regular stroking can even improve an animalโ€™s health and well-being.

Wellness and Therapy

  • Some therapeutic practices include stroking as a way to calm nerves and promote mindfulness, helping individuals feel more grounded.
  • Massage therapy often incorporates stroking motions to relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, contributing to overall wellness.
  • In alternative therapies, like Reiki, gentle stroking movements are believed to help balance energy and promote healing.

Language and Expression

  • The term stroking can also describe the way people express affection verbally or physically, signifying care and tenderness.
  • In writing and speech, using a stroking approach means being gentle and considerate in oneโ€™s choice of words, fostering understanding.
  • The concept of stroking is often used in literature to describe affectionate gestures or intimate moments between characters.

Origin of 'stroking'

The word 'stroking' comes from the Old English word 'strฤcian', which means 'to stroke, rub'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the act of moving one's hand gently over something or someone. Stroking is a universal form of affection and communication, often used to show love and care towards pets, loved ones, or even oneself.

See also: stroke, strokes.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,086, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.