ache
UK: eɪk | US: eɪk
n. a continuous dull pain
vi. to suffer from a continuous dull pain
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The word "ache" traces back to Old English æce, meaning "pain," which evolved into Middle English aken (verb) and ache (noun). Interestingly, the verb form was originally aken, while the noun was ache, but by the 19th century, the noun's pronunciation shifted to match the verb. The spelling "ache" reflects its Greek-influenced Renaissance-era respelling (from "ake" to mimic Greek akhos "pain"), though the Greek connection is superficial. The core meaning of persistent pain has remained unchanged.
She had a dull ache in her shoulder after lifting heavy boxes.
My head began to ache after staring at the screen for hours.
The old injury still aches in cold weather.
His heart ached with loneliness after the farewell.
A constant ache in her joints made walking difficult.