Tingle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tingle

[หˆtษชล‹ษกษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

feeling

To experience a prickling or stinging sensation, often caused by excitement or anticipation.

Synonyms

prickle, shiver, sting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tingle

Use 'tingle' to describe a slight yet noticeable, sometimes uncomfortable, sensation on the skin, often due to excitement or nervousness.

  • I felt a tingle in my fingers from the cold.
  • There was a noticeable tingle of anticipation in the room before the announcement.
prickle

Use 'prickle' when describing a sharp, pin-like feeling, often caused by anxiety, fear, or physical irritation.

  • My scalp started to prickle when I thought someone was watching me.
  • The cold wind made my face prickle.
sting

Use 'sting' when describing a sharp, often painful sensation, usually caused by something physically irritating like a bee or a sharp remark.

  • The cut on my hand began to sting when I applied the antiseptic.
  • His harsh criticism stung deeply.
shiver

Use 'shiver' to describe an involuntary bodily reaction usually caused by cold, fear, or excitement.

  • She felt a shiver run down her spine when she heard the eerie noise.
  • I started to shiver in the cold night.

Examples of usage

  • The sound of the rain on the roof made her skin tingle with delight.
  • His touch sent a tingle down her spine.
Context #2 | Noun

sensation

A slight prickling or stinging sensation.

Synonyms

prickle, shiver, sting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tingle

Refers to a slight, pleasant sensation similar to the previous entry; often used in the context of emotions or reactions like excitement.

  • Feeling him close made her heart tingle.
  • The surprise news caused her nerves to tingle.
prickle

Fit for describing a sharp, poking sensation that can be mildly uncomfortable or annoying.

  • Her skin began to prickle as she walked through the nettle patch.
  • He felt a prickle of unease at the back of his neck.
sting

Refers to a sharp, sudden pain often caused by an insect or a minor injury; generally has a negative connotation.

  • The bee's sting left a red bump on her arm.
  • The soapy water made the cut on his finger sting.
shiver

Used when describing a quick, involuntary movement, often of the whole body, usually caused by cold, fear, or excitement.

  • A shiver ran down his spine when he heard the eerie sound.
  • She couldn't stop the shiver after stepping out of the warm bath.

Examples of usage

  • The tingle in her fingers told her the circulation was returning.
  • The cold water caused a tingle in his toes.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Tingling sensations can occur when nerves are compressed or irritated, often described as 'pins and needles'.
  • This feeling can be a result of blood flow changes, such as when your leg falls asleep after sitting for too long.

Psychology

  • Experiences such as ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) can trigger a pleasurable tingling sensation, often felt on the scalp and neck.
  • Tingles can also signify emotional responses, such as excitement, fear, or affection, indicating how interconnected our feelings and sensations are.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters often experience tingling when they fall in love or encounter something magical, emphasizing the connection between emotions and physical sensations.
  • The phrase 'tingles' is commonly used in social media to describe feelings evoked by touching stories or videos.

Literature

  • Writers often use descriptions of tingling to convey characters' emotional responses, helping readers feel the intensity of experiences.
  • Classic poetry sometimes symbolizes tingling as a way to express love or longing, connecting physical and emotional experiences.

Origin of 'tingle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word goes back to Middle English, derived from the word 'tinglen', which means to ring or tinkle.
  • It is related to a cluster of words referring to ringing sounds, connecting the physical sensation to auditory experiences.

The word 'tingle' originated from the Old English word 'tinglian', which means 'to cause to tingle'. The sensation of tingling has been associated with various emotions and physical responses throughout history, often linked to excitement, anticipation, or even fear. The word has evolved over time to encompass both the physical sensation and the emotional response it can evoke.


See also: tingling.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,271, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.