The word "re touch" refers to the act of improving or enhancing something that has already been done. It is spelled /riˈtʌtʃ/, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "re" prefix indicates that it is a repeated action or a return to a previous state, while the "touch" part relates to the physical act of making contact. This word is commonly used in photography or design when referring to editing or refining an image or object.
The term "retouch" is a verb that commonly refers to the act of improving or altering an image or object by making slight changes or adjustments, typically using digital tools or techniques. When applied to photography or graphic design, retouching involves the process of enhancing or modifying an image to achieve a desired aesthetic or to correct imperfections.
In the realm of photography, retouching can include various activities such as adjusting brightness and contrast, removing blemishes or wrinkles from a subject's face, smoothing out skin tone, removing or adding elements, and enhancing colors or sharpness. These adjustments are often done using specialized software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
The concept of retouching extends beyond photography and can also be used in other artistic or design fields. For example, in the world of fashion, retouching may involve making changes to clothing, accessories, or models' appearances in order to create more compelling visuals for advertising or editorial purposes.
Furthermore, retouching can be applied to physical objects as well. This could involve restoring an old painting or artifact to its original condition by repairing damages, rejuvenating colors, or revitalizing textures.
Overall, retouching is a versatile term encompassing the various methods and techniques used to alter, enhance, or restore images, objects, or visual elements to achieve a desired result or to correct imperfections.
The word "retouch" has its origins in Old French. It can be traced back to the French word "retoucher", which means "to touch again". The prefix "re-" in English also signifies repetition or again, hence "re-touch" means to touch or handle something again or to make additional touches or adjustments to something that has been previously worked on.