VocabDictionary

tousling

/ˈtaʊ.zəl.ɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

Present participle and gerund of tousle: to make something, especially someone's hair, untidy or messy by rumpling or pulling it gently.

Example Sentences:
  • She laughed, tousling her little brother's hair as she walked past.
  • The gentle autumn breeze was tousling the papers on the outdoor desk.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “tousling”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'tousle', which likely originates from the Middle English 'tousen' (meaning to pull about, worry, or ruffle), related to Old French 'tousser' or Germanic roots associated with pulling and tearing hair or cloth.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a playful puppy 'tossing' your hair, leaving it tousled.

Frequently Asked Questions About “tousling

1. What is the meaning of “tousling” in English?

In English, tousling (verb) is defined as: “Present participle and gerund of tousle: to make something, especially someone's hair, untidy or messy by rumpling or pulling it gently.”.

2. How do you use “tousling” in a sentence?

She laughed, tousling her little brother's hair as she walked past.

3. What are English synonyms of “tousling”?

Common synonyms include:rumpling,ruffling,disarranging,messing

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “tousling”?

Derived from the verb 'tousle', which likely originates from the Middle English 'tousen' (meaning to pull about, worry, or ruffle), related to Old French 'tousser' or Germanic roots associated with pulling and tearing hair or cloth.