TOUCHINESS Meaning and
Definition
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Touchiness refers to a state or quality characterized by a heightened sensitivity or easily offended disposition. It is the tendency or inclination to be overly sensitive or reactive towards comments, actions, or situations that might be perceived as offensive, disrespectful, or critical. An individual who is touchy is prone to become easily irritated, defensive, or upset by even seemingly innocent remarks or gestures.
This phenomenon often stems from a lack of emotional resilience or insecurity, leading to a disposition where the individual feels attacked or threatened more easily than others. Touchiness can manifest in various forms of exaggerated emotional response, such as anger, defensiveness, sadness, or withdrawal.
In social contexts, touchiness can negatively impact relationships and communication, as individuals who are touchy may struggle to handle constructive criticism or engage in open dialogue without perceiving disagreement as a personal attack. Touchiness can impede effective collaboration and problem-solving, as conflicts may escalate quickly and compromise may be challenging to achieve.
It is important to note that touchiness is not a universal trait, as individuals vary in their sensitivity levels. However, those who display touchiness may benefit from developing emotional resilience, self-confidence, and effective communication skills to better manage their reactions and foster healthier interpersonal dynamics.
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Peevishness; irritability: touch and go, within the smallest possible point of happening: touch-hole, the small hole of a cannon or firearm through which fire is communicated to the charge: touch-needles, small bars of gold and silver, some pure, and others alloyed with certain proportions of copper, used by assayers for trying gold and silver articles: touch-paper, paper steeped in a solution of saltpetre und dried, which burns slowly, used as a match: touchstone, a variety of flinty slate, so called from its being used to test the purity of gold and silver, the quality being judged of by the colour of the streak which it leaves on the stone; Lydian stone: touchwood, very dry decayed wood, used as tinder; amadou: to touch on or upon, to treat of; to mention slightly: to touch at, to come or go to without stay: to touch up, to repair; to improve by slight touches: touch-me-not, name of a plant whose ripe seed-vessel, when irritated or touched, projects the seed to some distance; in med., the Eng. name for the malignant disease called lupus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TOUCHINESS
Etymology of TOUCHINESS
The word "touchiness" originated from the noun "touchy", which dates back to the late 16th century. The term "touchy" is derived from the verb "touch", influenced by Anglo-French and Vulgar Latin word "toccus" or "touccus". The sense of "touchy" initially referred to a person who was easily offended or emotionally sensitive, with a tendency to react quickly and strongly to perceived slights or criticisms. Over time, the noun form "touchiness" emerged, signifying the state or quality of being touchy.
Similar spelling words for TOUCHINESS
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