touch
touch — verb
1. to bring a hand, fingers, or any body part into light contact with a person or s
to bring a hand, fingers, or any body part into light contact with a person or surface, usually briefly and with little force
Maja gently touched the baby's cheek with her finger.
touch + body part with gentle adverb
Visitors are asked not to touch the paintings in the museum.
passive: be asked not to touch [something]
Tuan touched his forehead to check if he had a fever.
The boy reached out and touched the rough bark of the old tree.
The cat's nose touched the glass door as it looked outside.
文法句型
touch + object (the thing or person being touched)
用法筆記
This sense often pairs with an adverb of manner such as 'gently', 'softly', or 'lightly'. The object is typically a person, animal, or surface that can be felt.
常見錯誤
2. when objects or surfaces are placed so closely that they meet or press against e
when objects or surfaces are placed so closely that they meet or press against each other, leaving no space in between
The two garden walls almost touch at the back corner.
two things + touch (no space between)
The branches of the old trees touch above the garden path.
Make sure the edges of the fabric touch before you sew them together.
The shoulder of my jacket barely touches the doorframe when I walk through.
In the crowded train, passengers' shoulders touched on both sides.
- separate
implies a gap or distance between things
文法句型
[two or more things] touch
[something] touches [something else]
用法筆記
Frequently appears with 'almost', 'barely', or 'nearly' to indicate near-contact. In the transitive form, the subject is usually one object and the object is another: 'The shelf touches the ceiling.'
常見錯誤
3. to cause harm to someone or damage to something, especially by moving, handling,
to cause harm to someone or damage to something, especially by moving, handling, or coming into contact with it in a way that spoils or alters it
The frost touched the rose petals and turned them brown.
natural element + object = damage
Please do not touch the settings on the control panel.
negative command: do not touch [something delicate]
The moving truck touched the side mirror of the parked car.
Kwame warned the children not to touch the fresh paint on the bench.
文法句型
touch + object (the thing that gets damaged)
用法筆記
Often appears in warnings or negative commands ('don't touch'). Unlike sense 1, this sense carries a negative consequence — the contact itself causes damage, or the speaker wants to prevent damage. Distinguish from sense 1: in this sense, the focus is on the unwanted result, not the contact itself.
常見錯誤
❌ 'Don't touch the paintings' (meaning don't damage them) — works when context is clear, but 'touch' in this sense implies harm, so specify if you mean light contact vs. damage.
4. to consume food or drink, particularly when one chooses not to have any of a giv
to consume food or drink, particularly when one chooses not to have any of a given type — this sense almost always appears in negated statements
The patient had not touched any food for two full days.
negative: not touch + food
Linh never touches alcohol at parties or social events.
never touch + alcohol
The doctor said I should not touch anything salty for a week.
After the surgery, Ryo could not touch solid food for three days.
文法句型
not touch + food/drink
never touch + [type of food/drink]
用法筆記
Almost exclusively appears in negative contexts — 'not touch', 'never touch', 'could not touch'. The positive form ('touch food') is very rare in modern English. This sense is conversational and slightly informal.
常見錯誤
❌ 'I didn't touch the cake' — This could mean either 'I didn't eat it' or 'I didn't physically contact it'. Context clarifies, but often 'eat' or 'drink' is clearer for learners.
5. to affect someone emotionally, especially by making them feel sympathy, sadness,
to affect someone emotionally, especially by making them feel sympathy, sadness, or warm feelings — for example, a kind act, a sad story, or a beautiful piece of music that makes you feel moved
The story of the lost dog touched everyone in the classroom.
story + touch + person emotionally
Valentina was deeply touched by the kindness of her new neighbors.
passive: be deeply touched by [kind action]
The film about the war touched people all around the world.
Nothing could touch the old man more than his daughter's letter.
Élise's speech touched many listeners and brought tears to their eyes.
- leave cold
idiom meaning to fail to affect someone emotionally
文法句型
touch + person (emotionally)
be touched by + something
用法筆記
Very common in the passive voice ('touched by something'). The adverb 'deeply' is a frequent intensifier. Unlike 'affect', which can be neutral, this sense always carries a warm or sympathetic emotional charge. Distinguish from sense 3: sense 3 implies physical harm, while this sense implies emotional impact.
常見錯誤
❌ 'The bad news touched him' (meaning upset him mildly) — While possible, 'touched' usually implies warm/sympathetic feelings. For upsetting news, use 'affected' or 'upset'.
6. to equal the standard of quality or skill of another person or thing — this sens
to equal the standard of quality or skill of another person or thing — this sense nearly always occurs within a negated clause, stating that one thing cannot match another
No other singer in the competition could touch her voice.
negative: cannot touch [someone's ability]
The quality of this cheaper fabric cannot touch pure silk.
cannot touch [higher quality thing]
Eitan's cooking skills do not touch those of his grandmother.
No modern building can touch the beauty of that old cathedral.
文法句型
cannot touch + someone/something
not touch + [standard/quality]
用法筆記
Always occurs in negative constructions: 'cannot touch', 'does not touch', 'could not touch'. The positive form ('this touches that') would sound old-fashioned or poetic. The comparison is always about value, skill, or quality — not physical attributes like size or speed.
常見錯誤
❌ 'Her singing touches her teacher's.' — Positive form is unusual and old-fashioned. Use negative: 'Her singing does not touch her teacher's.'
❌ 'My score can't touch yours.' — While the grammar is fine, this is quite informal. 'Match' or 'reach' are clearer for most written contexts.
touch — noun
1. a very small quantity of a particular thing, especially something abstract such
a very small quantity of a particular thing, especially something abstract such as a quality, flavour, or feeling
The soup needs a touch more salt before we serve it.
collocation: a touch more + noun
Diya added a touch of humour to her speech, and the audience loved it.
collocation: a touch of humour / elegance / colour
A touch of sadness crept into Tyler's voice when he spoke of his old home.
The room could use a touch of colour to make it feel warmer and brighter.
Ziad's painting has a touch of genius that sets it apart from the others.
- hint
slightly smaller in degree than 'touch'; often about flavour or smell
- dash
used for small amounts of liquid or food ingredients specifically
- suggestion
more abstract than 'touch'; a very faint amount
文法句型
a touch of + uncountable noun
用法筆記
Usually followed by 'of' and an uncountable noun. Describes abstract qualities much more often than physical quantities.
2. a mild case of an illness that is not serious enough to be fully developed or ca
a mild case of an illness that is not serious enough to be fully developed or cause major problems
Zola stayed home from school with a touch of the flu.
collocation: a touch of + illness name
It is just a touch of hay fever — nothing serious enough to stop us.
Ramón thinks he has a touch of food poisoning after that seafood dinner.
The doctor said it is only a touch of asthma, not a serious attack.
- hint of
less common for illness; more often about flavour or quality
文法句型
a touch of + illness
用法筆記
Used with common countable illnesses (flu, cold, fever, asthma, hay fever). Not used for serious or chronic conditions.
3. a small extra feature, detail, or addition that improves the overall quality, ap
a small extra feature, detail, or addition that improves the overall quality, appearance, or effect of something
The gold frame adds a touch of elegance to the painting.
collocation: adds a touch of + quality
Ilan was putting the finishing touches on his model ship just before the competition.
idiom: put the finishing touches on something
The small flowers painted on the edge of the mirror are a lovely touch.
Candles on each table were a nice touch that made the dinner feel special.
The handwritten note on the gift was a personal touch Nora truly appreciated.
文法句型
a touch
finishing touches
用法筆記
Often used in the plural phrase 'finishing touches' to describe the final small improvements made to a project or creation.
4. to a small degree; used as an adverb before adjectives or comparatives to mean '
to a small degree; used as an adverb before adjectives or comparatives to mean 'a little' or 'slightly'
The coffee is a touch too bitter for my taste this morning.
pattern: a touch + too + adjective
Kenji felt a touch nervous before his first piano lesson.
The music at the party was a touch too loud for the small room.
Lara thought the dress was a touch too formal for a casual dinner with friends.
Élise arrived a touch early for the meeting and had to wait outside.
文法句型
a touch + adjective
a touch + comparative
用法筆記
Commonly used with 'too' (a touch too + adjective) to soften criticism. Functions adverbially and does not change form.
常見錯誤
5. one of the five physical senses; the ability to perceive contact, pressure, text
one of the five physical senses; the ability to perceive contact, pressure, texture, or temperature through the skin
People who cannot see often develop a very strong sense of touch.
collocation: sense of touch
The nerve damage in Dario's hand meant he had lost all touch in his fingers.
Tamás knew the fabric was pure silk by touch alone, without using his eyes.
The museum has a special room where visitors can explore sculptures by touch.
Babies learn about the world around them largely through the sense of touch.
- tactile sense
more technical or scientific term; less common in everyday speech
文法句型
sense of touch
by touch
用法筆記
Often used in the fixed phrase 'sense of touch'. Cannot be used as a countable noun in this meaning ('a touch' = a single instance of contact, not the ability).
6. the way a surface feels to the skin, described by adjectives such as smooth, rou
the way a surface feels to the skin, described by adjectives such as smooth, rough, soft, sticky, or cold
The baby loved the soft touch of the woollen blanket against her skin.
pattern: the [adjective] touch of something
The velvet curtain had a smooth, slippery touch that felt expensive.
Nora ran her hand over the stone wall and was surprised by its rough touch.
The leather of the old armchair had a warm, worn touch from years of use.
Fresh linen has a cool, clean touch that makes summer nights more comfortable.
文法句型
adjective + to the touch
the touch of something
用法筆記
Always preceded by an adjective that describes the quality of the surface. Common adjectives include smooth, rough, soft, hard, cold, warm, silky, sticky.
7. a brief, light act of placing a hand or other body part onto a surface and lifti
a brief, light act of placing a hand or other body part onto a surface and lifting it away again
Jason felt a gentle touch on his shoulder and turned to see his sister smiling.
touch + on [body part] pattern
The doctor's light touch on my arm helped calm my nerves before the injection.
With a single touch of the screen, the app began downloading the update.
Sari gave the painting a final touch before stepping back to admire her work.
A touch on the doorbell sent a loud ring through the empty house.
文法句型
a + touch + on + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often used with the preposition 'on' to specify where the touch lands, or 'of' to specify what does the touching.
常見錯誤
8. the condition of reaching and hearing from someone regularly by phone, email, le
the condition of reaching and hearing from someone regularly by phone, email, letter, or in person
Kemi promised to stay in touch with her old classmates after graduation.
stay in touch + with
The hospital put us in touch with a specialist who could help with the treatment.
put [someone] in touch with
Hana's cousin moved to Canada, but they keep in touch through weekly video calls.
Sofia lost touch with her childhood friend after moving to a different school.
Mathieu tried all week to get in touch with the landlord about the broken heater.
- contact
a more general term; 'be in contact with' can be used similarly but sounds slightly more formal
- communication
broader meaning that covers the exchange itself rather than the state of being connected
文法句型
in touch with + noun phrase
keep/stay in touch
get in touch with
用法筆記
Used in fixed phrases — 'in touch', 'keep in touch', 'stay in touch', 'get in touch', 'put someone in touch'. The preposition is always 'with' for the person contacted.
常見錯誤
9. the state of no longer communicating with someone, typically because of distance
the state of no longer communicating with someone, typically because of distance, time, or changing circumstances
Liam lost touch with his university roommates after they all took jobs in different cities.
lose touch with [someone]
Ilan was out of touch with his cousin for years, so her call surprised him.
out of touch with
Two old friends fell out of touch after a small argument and never made up.
Rania looked for her former neighbour, but they were out of touch for years.
- out of contact
similar meaning but less common in everyday speech; sounds more formal
- in touch
the opposite state — currently communicating with someone
- in contact
the opposite state of being connected
文法句型
lose touch with + noun phrase
out of touch with + noun phrase
用法筆記
Opposite of sense 8 (COMMUNICATION). 'Lose touch' implies an active transition from being in contact to no longer being in contact, while 'out of touch' describes the resulting state.
常見錯誤
10. a noticeable skill, talent, or characteristic way of doing something, especially
a noticeable skill, talent, or characteristic way of doing something, especially when done well or with sensitivity
Vikram has a wonderful touch with plants — his garden always looks beautiful.
have a [adjective] touch with
The chef's light touch with spices made the dish both flavorful and delicate.
A good teacher needs a gentle touch when explaining difficult ideas to young students.
The therapist handled the situation with a sure touch that put everyone at ease.
Christopher's artistic touch turned a simple room into a warm and inviting space.
文法句型
a + adjective + touch
用法筆記
Almost always preceded by an adjective (a light touch, a sure touch, a gentle touch, a deft touch, a magical touch). Describes a personal quality or style rather than a learned technique.
常見錯誤
11. in football and other ball sports, a player's skill in controlling the ball's mo
in football and other ball sports, a player's skill in controlling the ball's movement, often with the feet or hands, to keep it close and direct it accurately
Mateo's first touch was so smooth that the defender could not reach the ball.
first touch (football term)
The young player showed great touch as she controlled a fast pass from her teammate.
Coaches say a striker needs a soft touch to keep the ball under pressure.
With a perfect touch, the midfielder turned the ball and passed it down the wing.
- control
broader term for managing the ball; 'touch' adds the nuance of precision and feel
文法句型
good/excellent touch
first touch
用法筆記
Commonly used in football (soccer) commentary. 'First touch' refers to a player's ability to control the ball the moment it arrives. 'Soft touch' describes a delicate, precise control.
12. the area outside the long sidelines of a football, rugby, or hockey pitch, where
the area outside the long sidelines of a football, rugby, or hockey pitch, where the ball is considered out of play
The full-back kicked the ball into touch to stop the opposing team's attack.
into touch (direction)
In rugby, the referee blows the whistle when the ball goes out of touch.
out of touch (position)
The winger managed to catch the ball before it crossed the line into touch.
A throw-in is called when the ball goes out of touch on the sideline.
- sidelines
the lines themselves rather than the area beyond them
文法句型
in touch
out of touch
into touch
用法筆記
Primarily British English; used in football (soccer), rugby, and field hockey. 'Into touch' means the ball has left the playing area; 'out of play' is a more general alternative.
13. used in the expressions 'in touch' and 'out of touch' to describe whether someon
used in the expressions 'in touch' and 'out of touch' to describe whether someone's understanding of a topic or situation is current and accurate, or has become outdated.
After retiring, Grandpa stayed in touch with new farming methods by reading journals.
in touch with + field of knowledge
Sari felt out of touch with modern art after years working as an engineer.
A good journalist must stay in touch with what ordinary people think and need.
Gabriel's old-fashioned views showed that he was completely out of touch with city life.
Nia reads parenting blogs to stay in touch with new ideas about raising children.
- up-to-date
focuses on having the most recent information, less about depth of understanding
- informed
having good and accurate knowledge, slightly more formal
- knowledgeable
having thorough understanding, but does not specifically imply recency
- uninformed
lacking information; can be about a single topic rather than a general disconnect
- unfamiliar
not knowing something well, but may never have known it at all
- disconnected
suggests a separation from a community or field
文法句型
in/out of touch with + subject area
用法筆記
Only appears in the fixed phrases 'in touch' and 'out of touch', both followed by 'with' + a subject area. Does not refer to physical contact.