itch
/ɪtʃ/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪtʃ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈich/ (ame, mw)
itch — verb
- itchpresent simple I / you / we / they
- itcheshe / she / it
- itchedpast simple
- itching-ing form
1. To feel a prickly, annoying sensation on a patch of your skin — the sort that le
To feel a prickly, annoying sensation on a patch of your skin — the sort that leads you to scratch or rub that spot. Clothing, fabrics, plants, or insect bites can also cause this sensation.
Femi's arm itched where the mosquito bit him, and he tried not to scratch it.
intransitive: body part + itches
This wool sweater itches my neck whenever I wear it.
transitive: [item] + itches + [body part]
Sumin's eyes began to itch after she spent the whole day in the dusty library.
Wearing that rough old shirt made Bilal's back itch all afternoon.
After hiking through the tall grass, Noa's legs were itching badly.
- tingle
a lighter, more prickly sensation that does not necessarily make you want to scratch
文法句型
[body part] + itches
[item] + itches + [body part]
make + [body part] + itch
用法筆記
As a transitive verb ('This sweater itches me'), the subject is typically an item of clothing, a fabric, or a plant. The intransitive form is more common in everyday speech: 'My arm itches.'
常見錯誤
2. To feel a strong, restless wish to do something, usually because you are excited
To feel a strong, restless wish to do something, usually because you are excited, impatient, or full of energy.
Amelia was itching to tell everyone about her promotion.
itching + to-infinitive: strong desire
The team was itching for a chance to prove themselves when the match arrived.
itching + for + noun
Christopher was itching to get back on stage after months of rehearsals.
Lara could see her students itching for the school day to end.
Bilal had been itching to try the new ramen shop since it opened last month.
- dread
to be afraid of something happening, the opposite of wanting it eagerly
文法句型
itch + to-infinitive
itch + for + noun
用法筆記
Almost always used in the continuous form ('itching') or past progressive ('was itching'). The simple present ('I itch to go') is extremely rare.
常見錯誤
itch — noun
- itchsingular
- itchesplural
1. An annoying, prickly feeling in a specific spot on your skin that causes you to
An annoying, prickly feeling in a specific spot on your skin that causes you to want to scratch it.
Sirin had an itch on her back that she could not reach.
have an itch + on + [body part]
Maeve's mosquito bites gave her an itch that kept her awake all night.
The doctor said the rash would cause an itch for a few days, then fade.
Lisa felt a strange itch under her arm cast but could not scratch it.
- tingling
a lighter, pins-and-needles sensation that does not necessarily make you want to scratch
- irritation
broader — can refer to any uncomfortable skin feeling, including redness or soreness
文法句型
have + an itch
feel + an itch
an itch + on + [body part]
用法筆記
Countable and almost always used with an article: 'an itch', 'the itch'. Avoid using in the plural to describe a single sensation.
常見錯誤
2. A strong, restless feeling of wanting something or wanting to do something, ofte
A strong, restless feeling of wanting something or wanting to do something, often accompanied by curiosity or eagerness.
Hari had an itch to travel after finding old photo albums from his student days.
have an itch + to-infinitive
Sumin felt the itch to try something different, so she signed up for pottery classes.
The team's itch for a win grew stronger after every close match they narrowly lost.
Lisa had always had an itch to learn mandolin, so she finally bought one.
- reluctance
unwillingness or hesitation, the opposite of eager desire
文法句型
an itch + to-infinitive
an itch + for + noun
用法筆記
Unlike the verb form, the noun 'itch' (desire) is not restricted to continuous aspect: 'She has an itch to travel' is perfectly natural.