ache

Everyday

1. An ache is a pain that goes on for a long time but is not sharp. tree →
2. To ache is to hurt with a dull, steady pain. tree →
3. To ache for something is to want it very much. tree →

In the lessons

In health lessons pupils learn names of aches: headache, toothache, stomach ache, earache, backache, and that a long ache should be told to an adult or a doctor. After sport muscles may ache. In stories a heart aches with sadness. Phrases: aches and pains, my legs ache, ache all over.

Examples

• I have a stomach ache. tree →
• My legs ache after the long walk. tree →
• She went to the dentist because of a toothache. tree →
• Tell a grown-up if your ear aches. tree →
• His muscles ached after football. tree →
• My head aches when I don't drink enough water. tree →
• Grandad has aches and pains in his knees. tree →
• Her heart ached when her dog was lost. tree →
• I had head-ache and back-ache, and I cannot tell what aches besides. tree →

Note

Pronounced «ake» — the «ch» sounds like «k». Regular verb (ached). Joined words: headache, toothache, earache, backache (often written as one word); «stomach ache» is two words. «I have a headache» (with «a»). An ache is dull and long; a sharp sudden pain is a «pain» or «sting».