aching Meaning & Definition
What Does Aching Mean?
Aching is used as an adjective meaning that aches. It is also used to mean causing or reflecting distress, deep emotion, or longing. As a verb, it means to suffer a usually dull persistent pain. As an adverb, it means in an aching manner.
Aching in Brief
| Part of speech | adjective, verb, adverb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈā-kiŋ/ |
| Syllables | 2 |
| Synonyms | ache, painful and achy |
| Antonyms | indolent, painless and curative |
| Comparative / superlative | more aching, most aching |
Aching Definition (Adjective)
- that aches
an aching back
- causing or reflecting distress, deep emotion, or longing
aching country ballads
Aching as a Verb
- to suffer a usually dull persistent pain
an aching back
- to become distressed or disturbed (as with anxiety or regret)
aching with sadness
- to feel compassion
My heart aches for those poor people.
- to experience a painful eagerness or yearning
He is aching to go.
Aching as an Adverb
- in an aching manner
achingly sad songs
- extremely, exceedingly
achingly complicated
Synonyms of Aching
Antonyms of Aching
Aching in a Sentence
an aching back
aching country ballads
aching with sadness
My heart aches for those poor people.
He is aching to go.
achingly sad songs
achingly complicated
my poor, aching back
another one of those aching country songs about a woman who done him wrong
my feet ache from all that walking
I ache for those people who have to spend the holidays alone
aching for some quiet time to himself
an achingly funny movie
Word Forms & Grammar
aching
ached
ach·ing
ache
aches
achingly
ache (for)
ache for
aching (comparative more aching, superlative most aching)
aching (plural achings)
Origin of Aching
Origin 1: Middle English aking, from present participle of aken "to ache:1"
Origin 2: Middle English aken, going back to Old English acan, of uncertain origin
Origin 3: aching:1 + -ly:2
First Known Use
13th century
before 12th century
1765
How to Pronounce Aching
Aching is pronounced /ˈā-kiŋ/ and has 2 syllables, with the main stress on the first syllable (ā).
Common Questions About Aching
Is aching an adjective or a verb?
Aching is mainly used as an adjective, but it can also be used as a verb and an adverb.
What is another word for aching?
Words with a similar meaning to aching include ache, painful and achy. See the full list of aching synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of aching?
Words opposite in meaning to aching are indolent, painless, curative and healing.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of aching?
The comparative form is more aching and the superlative form is most aching.