English Lexicon

Touchiness

/ˈtʌtʃi.nəs/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #14500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A tendency to become easily offended, upset, or irritated by minor remarks or actions.

    "His unusual touchiness made it difficult for the team to discuss the project's flaws openly."
  2. 2

    The delicate or precarious nature of a situation that requires careful handling.

    "Given the touchiness of the negotiations, both diplomats chose their words with extreme caution."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the adjective 'touchy' (itself stemming from Middle English 'touchen', meaning to strike or affect emotionally, via Old French 'touchier'), combined with the Germanic nominal suffix '-ness'. First recorded in the early 17th century, the word originally referred to physical delicacy or sensitivity before shifting to denote a state of easily provoked emotional irritability.

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