Ache

/eɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a continuous or prolonged dull pain.

He felt a dull ache in his back after sitting for too long.

a strong desire or longing.

There was an ache in her heart as she thought about her childhood home.

verb

to feel a continuous or prolonged dull pain.

After the long hike, my legs started to ache.

to experience a feeling of strong desire or longing.

She ached to be reunited with her family after years abroad.

Middle English aken, from Old English acan.

heartache

Emotional distress or grief.

growing pains

Discomfort felt during the process of growth, often used metaphorically for difficulties experienced during development.

pains and aches

General term for various discomforts in the body.

throbbing

A rhythmic pulsing sensation, often associated with pain.

soreness

Discomfort or pain resulting from physical activity or injury.

discomfort

A state of unease or mild pain.

Major ache

After the marathon, I have a major ache in my legs.

Feel the ache

After that breakup, I really feel the ache.