itch
B1Informal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
An uncomfortable sensation on the skin that makes you want to scratch.
A restless desire or longing for something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, primarily refers to the physical sensation. As a verb, can describe both the physical act (the skin itches) and the action of scratching (to itch a mosquito bite). The extended meaning of 'a strong desire' is common in informal contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'itch' as noun and verb similarly. The verb 'to itch' meaning 'to scratch' (e.g., 'Don't itch that rash') is slightly more common in AmE, while BrE might prefer 'scratch' for the action.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
My back itches. (S-V)I have an itch on my arm. (S-V-O)I itch to travel. (S-V-to INF)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “itchy feet (a desire to travel)”
- “the seven-year itch (restlessness in a long-term relationship)”
- “itching to do something (eager)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The team has an itch to innovate.'
Academic
Rare, except in medical/biological contexts describing symptoms.
Everyday
Very common for describing physical sensations and informal desires.
Technical
Used in dermatology and medicine (pruritus is the clinical term).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- This wool jumper makes my skin itch.
- I'm itching to hear the exam results.
American English
- My mosquito bite itches like crazy.
- He's itching for a fight.
adverb
British English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- She had an itchy rash from the new detergent.
- I feel itchy all over.
American English
- These tags make my neck itchy.
- He got an itchy nose from the pollen.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have an itch on my leg.
- The mosquito bite itches.
- Try not to scratch the itch, or it might get infected.
- I've got an itch to go travelling this summer.
- The psychological itch to check his phone was overwhelming.
- A persistent itch can be a symptom of several skin conditions.
- After five years in the same role, she felt the professional itch for a new challenge.
- The novel's cliffhanger ending left me with an intellectual itch that demanded resolution.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ITCH sounds like 'I TCH' - Think 'I need to TouCH and scratCH'.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS AN ITCH (e.g., 'I have an itch to buy a new car').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'ищет' (seeks). The Russian word 'зуд' is a direct equivalent for the noun, but is less commonly used in metaphorical senses.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'itch' as a noun for emotional pain (use 'ache'). Confusing 'itch' (sensation) with 'scratch' (action).
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'seven-year itch', what does 'itch' metaphorically represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is grammatically possible but can be ambiguous. It can mean 'My arm has an itching sensation' or 'I scratch my arm'. To be clear about the action, use 'scratch' (I scratch my arm). To describe the sensation, say 'My arm itches'.
An 'itch' is an irritating sensation that makes you want to scratch. A 'tickle' is a light, tingling sensation that often provokes laughter or a squirming reaction.
The literal meaning is acceptable in formal medical or descriptive contexts. The metaphorical meaning ('an itch to do something') is considered informal and should be replaced with words like 'urge', 'desire', or 'longing' in formal writing.
The adjective is 'itchy' (e.g., itchy skin, an itchy sweater).