Aching
/ˈeɪkɪŋ/
adjectiveBeginnerCommonGeneral
Meaning
Questions
Definitions
1
Feeling a continuous, dull pain.
/ˈeɪkɪŋ/
adjectivenegativeBeginner
General
Experiencing a dull, persistent pain.
My muscles were aching after the long hike.
💡 Simply: Having a pain that lasts a long time.
More Examples
2
She had an aching tooth and needed to see a dentist.
How It's Used
Medical
"She had an aching back after lifting heavy boxes."
Everyday
"I have an aching head from lack of sleep."
From Old English *æccan, meaning "to ache". The -ing suffix forms the present participle.
The word 'aching' has been used in a similar manner throughout its history, referring to a dull, persistent pain.
Memory tip
Think of the continuous, dull nature of an ache.
Practice
ackingachingg
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written