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Awkward vs Touchy - What's the difference?

awkward | touchy | Synonyms |

Awkward is a synonym of touchy.


As adjectives the difference between awkward and touchy

is that awkward is lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments while touchy is (of a situation) extremely sensitive or volatile; easily disturbed to the point of becoming unstable; requiring caution or tactfulness.

As an adverb awkward

is (obsolete) in a backwards direction.

awkward

English

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • (obsolete) In a backwards direction.
  • *, Bk.V, Ch.x:
  • Than groned the knyght for his grymme woundis, and gyrdis to Sir Gawayne and awkewarde hym strykes, and.

    Adjective

    (en-adj)
  • Lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments
  • John was awkward at performing the trick. He'll have to practice to improve.
  • Not easily managed or effected; embarrassing
  • That was an extremely awkward moment. Everyone was watching.
    An awkward silence had fallen.
  • Lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction
  • I'm very awkward at parties.
    Things get very awkward whenever 60-year old men use cheesy pick-up lines on me.
  • Perverse; adverse; difficult to handle
  • He's a right awkward chap.
    These cabinets are going to be very awkward when we move.

    Synonyms

    * (lacking dexterity) clumsy, ungraceful, unhandy, lubberly * (lacking social skill) maladroit

    Antonyms

    * (having dexterity) dexterous, graceful, skillful, gainly * (having social skills) cool, amiable

    Derived terms

    * awkwardly * awkwardness

    touchy

    English

    Adjective

    (er)
  • (of a situation) Extremely sensitive or volatile; easily disturbed to the point of becoming unstable; requiring caution or tactfulness.
  • It is an extremely touchy situation, with everybody's patience wearing thin.
  • (of a person) Easily offended; oversensitive; ticklish.
  • He can be very touchy when you talk about his cat, so be as tactful as possible.

    See also

    * tetchy * touch and go