Aching
/ˈeɪkɪŋ/
adjectiveBeginner📊CommonGeneral
1 meaning2 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.
Word Origin
LanguageOld English
Original meaning
"to ache"
aching musclesaching headaching joints
Common misspellings
ackingachingg
Practice
Usage
60%Spoken
40%Written