What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
touch
Example
The soft touch of the blanket made her feel cozy. [touch: noun]
Example
He gently touched her hand to show his affection. [touched: verb]
stroke
Example
She stroked the cat's fur, enjoying its softness. [stroke: verb]
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with a stroke after he experienced sudden weakness on one side of his body. [stroke: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Touch is more commonly used than stroke in everyday language. Touch is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stroke is less common and has more specific meanings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between touch and stroke?
Both touch and stroke are neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, stroke may be more commonly used in medical or technical contexts, which may make it sound more formal.
