tusche
C1 (Very High)Common across all registers, from informal to highly formal.
Definition
Meaning
To come into or be in physical contact with something or someone.
To affect emotionally; to handle or use something; to briefly stop at a place; to reach or match a level.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Has both concrete (physical) and abstract (emotional/relational) meanings. Highly polysemous. The base physical meaning is central, with many figurative extensions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In sports, Brits might say 'touch line' (football/soccer) while Americans say 'sideline'. In phrases, 'touch wood' (UK) vs. 'knock on wood' (US) is common. Spelling: 'touch' is consistent.
Connotations
Generally similar. 'Touch base' is business jargon used in both, slightly more established in US usage.
Frequency
Equally frequent and core in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
touch NP (transitive)touch on/upon NP (prepositional verb - 'mention briefly')touch NP for NP (informal - 'ask for money')touch down (phrasal verb - 'land')Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “touch wood”
- “touch base”
- “lose your touch”
- “a touch of (something)”
- “touch and go”
- “the common touch”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Let's touch base next week to discuss the project." (meaning: make brief contact)
Academic
"The author touches on several key theories without exploring them in depth." (meaning: mentions briefly)
Everyday
"Don't touch the stove, it's hot!" (meaning: make physical contact)
Technical
"The probe failed to touch down on the lunar surface as planned." (meaning: land)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The painting said 'Do not touch'.
- Her speech really touched the audience.
- The ferry will touch at the Isle of Wight.
American English
- Don't touch that button!
- The movie touched me deeply.
- Can I touch you for twenty bucks until payday? (informal)
adjective
British English
- It's a touch decision to make.
- The fabric has a very soft touch.
American English
- The team installed a new touch screen.
- He has a great touch with animals.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please don't touch the glass.
- The cat likes to be touched gently.
- The teacher touched my shoulder.
- The ball just touched the line before going out.
- He hasn't lost his touch for telling funny stories.
- Can I touch base with you tomorrow?
- The documentary touched on complex social issues.
- She added a touch of lemon to the sauce.
- The situation was touch and go for several hours.
- His arrogance renders him utterly devoid of the common touch.
- The novel touches a raw nerve regarding modern isolation.
- The pianist's delicate touch transformed the simple melody.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of your TOE and a CHair. If you TOUCH the chair with your TOE, you make contact.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION/INFLUENCE IS PHYSICAL CONTACT (e.g., 'His story touched me', 'Stay in touch').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing 'touch' (трогать, касаться) with 'push' (толкать).
- Overusing the physical meaning and missing common idioms like 'a touch of' (немного).
- Translating 'touch screen' literally as 'трогательный экран' (emotional screen) instead of 'сенсорный экран'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'touch in' instead of 'touch on' (a topic).
- Using 'touch' for sustained holding: '*He was touching his phone for an hour' (better: 'holding' or 'using').
- Spelling confusion with 'tough'.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'lose your touch' typically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is most commonly a verb, but it is also a noun (e.g., 'a soft touch', 'stay in touch') and can function attributively as an adjective (e.g., 'touch screen').
'Touch' is general contact. 'Feel' often implies exploring texture or sensation intentionally. 'Pat' is a specific, light touch with an open hand, often affectionate.
Yes, it's a superstitious phrase said to avoid bad luck after mentioning good fortune. The American equivalent is 'knock on wood'.
Yes, but typically for temporary actions (e.g., 'Stop touching that!') or changing states (e.g., 'His story was really touching me.'). For permanent qualities ('This painting touches people'), simple tenses are more common.