touch definition

Touch – to put your hand, fingers, or another part of your body on someone or something, usually gently or briefly. It can also describe affecting someone emotionally or making contact with something physically. 

Part of speech:
verb
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/tʌtʃ/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

Past and present participles:

Past participle

Present participle

touched

touching

How to Pronounce the Word “Touch”

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Pay special attention to the letters ou – in this word, they produce the short /ʌ/ sound, similar to the vowel in “cup,” “luck,” or “sun.” Many learners mistakenly pronounce it like /uː/ or /oʊ/, but the correct sound is short and relaxed. 

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Conjugation Forms of “Touch”

The verb “touch” takes on a remarkably different meaning in varying contexts, ranging from tangible interaction to technology usage, emotion, sensitivity, and even human relationships. The verb’s conjugation demonstrates the fluidity with which a word can switch between tangible actions and intangible experiences.

Simple and Continuous Tenses

Tense

Structure 

Example

Present Simple 

touch/touches 
  She touches the screen to unlock her phone.

Past Simple 

touched 
  He touched the painting carefully.

Future Simple 

will touch 
  I will touch that prize after the finish line.

Present Continuous 

am/is/are touching 
  The baby is touching everything around him.

Past Continuous 

was/were touching 
  They were touching the fabric to check its quality.

Future Continuous 

will be touching 
  This time tomorrow, the technician will be touching up the final details.

Perfect Tenses

Tense

Structure 

Example

Present Perfect 

have/has touched 
  Her speech has touched many people.

Past Perfect 

had touched 
  He had touched the surface before the warning was given.

Future Perfect 

will have touched 
  By the end of the tour, we will have touched every major topic.

Present Perfect Continuous 

have/has been touching 
  She has been touching her face nervously during the interview.

Past Perfect Continuous 

had been touching 
  The child had been touching the wet paint before we noticed.

Future Perfect Continuous 

will have been touching 
  By noon, the artist will have been touching up the mural for hours.

Infinitive Forms

Form

Structure 

Example

Full Infinitive 

to + verb 
  I didn’t want to touch the broken glass.

Bare Infinitive 

base verb 
  You must not touch this button.

Perfect Infinitive 

to have + past participle 
  She seemed to have touched a sensitive topic.

Continuous Infinitive 

to be + verb-ing 
  He appeared to be touching the screen repeatedly.

Examples of “Touch” in Different Contexts

Take a closer look at how native speakers typically use this word in daily speech. Look at the following examples and try to come up with your own sentences with this verb.

  • Physical Contact 
  Don’t touch the stove – it’s hot.
  She touched his shoulder to get his attention.
  The cat gently touched my hand with its paw.
  Be careful not to touch the wet paint.
touch in a sentence
  • Emotional Impact 
  The movie touched my heart deeply.
  Her story touched everyone in the audience.
  I was touched by their kindness and support.
  His speech touched on the importance of family and friendship.

Popular Idioms and Phrases with “Touch”

English usage of the word “touch” does not always relate to physical touch. The following terms have become very common in conversations connected with personal life, workplace settings, and modern-day human relations.

Expression 

Meaning 

Example 

Keep in touch 

continue communicating with someone over time 
  Even after university, we still keep in touch regularly.

Touch base 

to briefly contact someone to exchange updates or discuss plans 
  Let’s touch base next week about the project.

Lose touch 

stop communicating or become less connected with someone 
  We lost touch after Tom moved abroad.

Out of touch 

not informed about modern ideas, trends, or reality 
  Some companies seem completely out of touch with younger customers.

A touching story 

something emotionally moving or heartwarming 
  The film tells a touching story about friendship and loyalty.

Synonyms and Antonyms for “Touch”

Expand your English vocabulary and boost your speaking and writing flexibility by learning antonyms and synonyms of the verb “touch”. 

  • Synonymous expressions

Feel – use your hands to examine or experience something physically 

  She felt the fabric to check if it was soft.

Tap – to touch something lightly and quickly 

  He tapped me on the shoulder to get my attention.

Brush – touch something gently while moving past it 

  Her hand brushed against the wall.

Handle – to touch or hold something in order to use it 

  Please do not handle the equipment without permission.
  • Antonyms

Avoid – to stay away from someone or something intentionally 

  Try to avoid touching your face during the flight.

Distance – to create emotional or physical separation 

  He distanced himself from the argument.

Ignore – pay no attention to someone or something 

  She ignored the notification on her phone.

Withdraw – move away from contact or involvement 

  The child quickly withdrew his hand from the hot surface.

“Touch” in Spanish, French, and German

See how this word is pronounced and spelled in other European languages. Listen to these variants and repeat them.

Language Word for “Touch”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Tocar
Flag French French   Touche
Flag German German   Berühren