Pronunciation: [ɹɪtˈʌt͡ʃɪŋ] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "retouching" begins with the "re-" prefix, followed by "touching." The pronunciation of the "t" sound can often be tricky, as it can be pronounced as a "t" or a "ch" sound depending on the word. In this case, the "t" sound is pronounced as a "ch" sound, indicated by the phonetic transcription /riˈtʌtʃɪŋ/. Retouching refers to the process of making adjustments or improvements to a photo or image.
Retouching, as a noun, refers to the process or action of making minor adjustments or improvements to a photograph, image, or artwork. It involves modifying, enhancing, or correcting certain elements in order to achieve a desired aesthetic or visual outcome. Retouching typically encompasses various techniques, such as adjusting brightness, contrast, color saturation, sharpness, or removing imperfections like blemishes, wrinkles, scratches, or unwanted objects from the original image.
In photographic or digital art context, retouching can sometimes involve more extensive alterations to the image, including reshaping objects or figures, changing backgrounds, adding or removing elements, or even creating entirely new elements. Such retouching is common in advertising, fashion, or beauty industries, where the aim is often to enhance the visual appeal or idealize the subject.
Retouching is commonly performed using photo editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop, which provides a wide range of tools and features specifically designed for retouching purposes. These tools enable the user to make precise adjustments and alterations, carefully manipulating pixels to achieve the desired effect.
Moreover, the verb form of "retouch" means to make these adjustments or improvements to an image or photograph. The act of retouching requires skill, creativity, and a keen eye for detail, as it requires the retoucher to have a deep understanding of image composition, aesthetics, and the desired outcome.
The word "retouching" originated from the French term "re-touches". It derived from the combination of the prefix "re-" (meaning "again" or "back") and the word "touches" (referring to minor alterations or adjustments). In the context of photography or image editing, "retouching" specifically refers to the process of modifying or improving a photograph by making small changes or enhancements.
