MEANING
1. A brief, sharp pang of physical pain or discomfort in one part of the body.
2. A brief, slight feeling of guilt, regret, jealousy, or another emotion.
Use it for
Describe a brief, localized pang of pain or discomfort.Give a passing ache or emotion a precise, momentary shape instead of describing it as full pain or lasting grief.
Words that belong together
- a twinge of pain
- a twinge in the knee
- sudden twinge
- a twinge of guilt
- a twinge of regret
- a twinge of envy
On the page
A twinge of pain caught beneath his ribs when he stood.
A twinge of guilt made her glance back at the locked door.
Nearby words
Word forms
- Base
- twinge
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Usage notes
Usually names a short, localized sensation; the pain may be slight, though the word does not guarantee it is harmless. Sense 2: The emotional sense is brief and often mild; it does not imply a settled mood.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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