Definition

Verb (phrasal verb) 1. To mention or refer to a subject briefly, without going into detail. 2. To have a connection with or be relevant to a subject.

Usage

The phrasal verb "touch on" is used to indicate a brief mention of a topic or a tangential connection to it. It suggests the topic is not the main focus of discussion but is addressed in passing.

Examples

• The lecture touched on the economic theories of the 19th century before focusing on modern applications.
• In his speech, the manager touched on the challenges of remote work but spent more time discussing future goals.
• The report touches on several key issues that require further investigation.

Advanced Usage

• "to touch upon": This is a formal variant with the same meaning as "touch on."
  • The author's new book touches upon themes of identity and belonging.

Variants and Related Words

• Touch (verb): To make physical contact. The phrasal verb "touch on" derives from this, metaphorically meaning to make brief contact with a topic.
• Mention (verb): To refer to something briefly.
• Allude to (verb): To suggest or call attention to indirectly.

Synonyms

• Mention
• Refer to
• Allude to
• Bring up
• Note

Different Meanings

The core meaning of "touch on" is to mention briefly. The provided reference context includes other distinct verbs ("affect," "repair," "refer to," "pertain to") which are separate lexical items. "Touch on" specifically aligns with the concepts of "refer to" and "be relevant to" from that list, but only in the sense of a brief or incidental reference.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Touch off: To cause something to start, especially suddenly (e.g., a debate, an argument, or an explosion).
  • His comment touched off a heated discussion.
• Touch up: To make small improvements or repairs to something.
  • She touched up the paint on the door.

Related Idioms

• Touch and go: A risky or uncertain situation where the outcome is unclear.
  • After the surgery, it was touch and go for a few days. (Note: This idiom is related to the base verb "touch" but is distinct from the phrasal verb "touch on.")

Verb

1. have an effect upon
   • Will the new rules affect me?
2. restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
   • She repaired her TV set
   • Repair my shoes please
3. be relevant to
   • There were lots of questions referring to her talk
   • My remark pertained to your earlier comments
4. refer to or discuss briefly