Health / A2

AYK/eɪk/

An ache is a continuous, dull pain: a headache, a toothache, my legs ache (also a verb). Pain is the wider cousin; a sharp pain is usually not called an ache. Each is a different word. Oak is a tree. Do not write ache when you mean each, or oak.

Meaning

A continuous pain that is not sharp.

Examples

• “I had a backache after the long coach trip.”
• “I had an ache in my shoulder after carrying the case.”
• “If the ache gets worse, ask at the chemist.”

Good to know

a headache / toothache; legs ache. Wider: pain. Mix-up: each, oak.

Near in meaning

pain

Topics

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