Touchiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฌ
touchiness
[หtสสงษชnษs ]
Definitions
emotional sensitivity
Touchiness refers to the tendency to be easily offended or upset by the remarks or actions of others. It can manifest as a heightened emotional sensitivity or a quickness to take offense.
Synonyms
defensiveness, irritability, sensitivity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
touchiness |
This word is often used to describe someone who is easily upset or offended. It can have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the person has a delicate ego and overreacts to minor comments or actions.
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sensitivity |
Choose this word when describing someone who is empathetic and easily affected by the feelings of others or their environment. It does not necessarily have a negative connotation and can be seen as a positive trait in some contexts.
|
irritability |
This is the best word to describe someone who is easily annoyed or becomes angry quickly. It often indicates a temporary state, such as due to stress or lack of rest.
|
defensiveness |
Use this word to describe someone who is quick to justify themselves or their actions, often feeling attacked or criticized even when that's not the case. It can imply a sense of insecurity or unwillingness to accept feedback.
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Examples of usage
- He exhibited touchiness when his work was criticized.
- Her touchiness made it difficult to have open conversations with her.
- The touchiness of the situation required careful handling.
sensitivity to physical touch
Touchiness can also refer to a heightened sensitivity to physical touch, where even light pressure or contact can cause discomfort or pain.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
touchiness |
Best used to describe someone who is easily offended or irritable. It often carries a slightly negative connotation.
|
hypersensitivity |
Refers to an excessive sensitivity to physical or emotional stimuli. It is often used in medical or psychological contexts.
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tenderness |
Used to describe a gentle, caring behavior toward someone or something. It can also refer to physical softness or soreness.
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Examples of usage
- His touchiness made it challenging to give him a massage.
- The cat's touchiness meant that it didn't like to be petted for too long.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People who experience high touchiness may have a low tolerance for criticism, often stemming from past experiences.
- Emotional sensitivity can be beneficial, as it can lead to deeper empathy and understanding in relationships.
- Excessive touchiness might affect social interactions, causing misunderstandings or conflicts.
Social Dynamics
- In group settings, touchiness can lead to 'walking on eggshells,' where people avoid certain topics to prevent upset.
- Cultural differences play a role; what is considered sensitive in one culture may not hold the same weight in another.
Literature
- Many characters in classic literature exhibit touchiness, often leading to dramatic confrontations and revealing their deeper vulnerabilities.
- Authors utilize touchy characters to explore themes of fragility and emotional depth, adding complexity to their stories.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV often showcases the touchiness of contestants, where small comments can lead to significant drama.
- Memes and social media frequently highlight earthly touchiness in humorous ways, revealing our societal reactions to sensitive topics.
Origin of 'touchiness'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'touchiness' originated from the word 'touchy,' which can be traced back to the early 19th century.
- It combines 'touch,' meaning to make contact, with the suffix '-iness,' indicating a state or condition.
The word 'touchiness' originated from the Middle English word 'tuchynge', which means 'the state of being touched or affected emotionally'. Over time, it evolved to encompass both emotional sensitivity and physical sensitivity to touch.
See also: touch, touchable, touchably, touched, touching, touchingly, touchy, untouchability, untouchable, untouched.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranking #39,389, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.
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- 39386 softy
- 39387 katydid
- 39388 zealousness
- 39389 touchiness
- 39390 fructified
- 39391 colonially
- 39392 serape
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