retouch: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “retouch” mean?
To improve or alter (an image, painting, or photograph) by making small corrections or enhancements.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To improve or alter (an image, painting, or photograph) by making small corrections or enhancements.
To make minor improvements or corrections to something in order to perfect it; to give a final, finishing polish.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Equally associated with photography, art restoration, and digital editing in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English due to the larger media/advertising industry, but common in both.
Grammar
How to Use “retouch” in a Sentence
[Subject] retouch [Object] (e.g., She retouched the photo).[Subject] retouch [Object] [with Instrument] (e.g., He retouched the image with sophisticated software).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retouch” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The magazine editor asked to have the model's skin retouched before publication.
- Art conservators will retouch the damaged areas of the centuries-old painting.
American English
- The photographer will retouch the images to remove any blemishes.
- You can easily retouch old family photos with this app.
adverb
British English
- The image was retouched professionally.
- The photo had been lightly retouched.
American English
- The portrait was digitally retouched.
- The document was retouched extensively.
adjective
British English
- The retouched photograph looked flawless.
- She submitted the retouched version of the artwork.
American English
- The ad featured a heavily retouched image of the product.
- He showed me the retouched proofs for the brochure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in marketing, advertising, and media for discussing product or model images.
Academic
Used in art history, conservation, and media studies.
Everyday
Understood, but less commonly used in casual conversation outside specific hobbies.
Technical
Core term in photography, graphic design, and cosmetic surgery (e.g., retouch eyeliner in permanent makeup).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retouch”
- Using 'retouch' for physical objects that are repaired (use 'repair' or 'fix').
- Confusing with 'retake' (to photograph again).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Edit' is a broad term for making changes to any content. 'Retouch' is a specific type of editing focused on making minor, corrective improvements to a visual image.
Rarely. It's almost exclusively for images, paintings, or cosmetic work. For physical objects, 'touch up' (paint, scratches) is more common.
Neutral in technical contexts. It can have negative connotations in discussions about unrealistic beauty standards when referring to heavily altered photos of people.
Adobe Photoshop is the industry standard, leading to the verb 'to photoshop'. Other tools include GIMP, Lightroom, and various mobile apps.
To improve or alter (an image, painting, or photograph) by making small corrections or enhancements.
Retouch is usually formal/technical in register.
Retouch: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈtʌtʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈtʌtʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None commonly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'RE-Touch' = to TOUCH something again to make it better, like touching up paint on a wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERFECTION IS A FINISHING TOUCH (The final, small adjustments create the ideal state).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'retouch' LEAST appropriate?