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smarting. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
smarting, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
smarting in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
smarting you have here. The definition of the word
smarting will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
smarting, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Middle English smertyng, smertinge, from Old English smeortung, smertung (“smarting, itching”), equivalent to smart + -ing.
Adjective
smarting (comparative more smarting, superlative most smarting)
- Painful, sore.
My arm is still smarting from where the ball hit it.
- (figuratively) Experiencing emotional pain or embarrassment.
Translations
Verb
smarting
- present participle and gerund of smart
Noun
smarting (countable and uncountable, plural smartings)
- A sensation that smarts or stings.
1714, Thomas Halyburton, Natural Religion Insufficient, and Revealed Religion Necessary, to Man's Happiness in his Present State:Strong they are; for they trample upon our light, the penalties of laws divine and human; yea, and the smartings of our own conscience.
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