feel
feel
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "feel" is /fiːl/.
feel: /fiːl/
Word Form Variations
Verb: feel (base form), feels (third person singular present), felt (past tense, past participle), feeling (present participle)
Noun: feel (singular), feels (plural, informal)
Adjective: feeling (as in "a feeling person"), felt (as in "felt cloth," but a different meaning)
Adverb: (No direct adverb form; related adverbs would be formed from adjectives, e.g., "feelingly" from "feeling")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb
Feel
To perceive or experience a sensation through the sense of touch.
Synonyms: touch, sense, perceive, handle, palpate
Antonyms: ignore, overlook, disregard
To experience an emotion or a physical sensation.
Synonyms: experience, sense, undergo, suffer, enjoy
Antonyms: suppress, stifle, numb, repress
To have a particular sensation or characteristic when touched.
Synonyms: seem, appear, feel like, be
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; describes a property)
To believe or have an opinion; to be convinced.
Synonyms: believe, think, consider, sense, intuit, perceive
Antonyms: doubt, disbelieve, question, reject
Noun
Feel
A sensation or impression conveyed by touching or experiencing something.
Synonyms: sensation, impression, texture, quality, touch
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to a type of perception)
An intuitive awareness or sensitivity.
Synonyms: intuition, instinct, knack, flair, touch, sensitivity
Antonyms: insensitivity, clumsiness, awkwardness, obtuseness
(Informal, plural "feels") Strong emotional reactions or sentiments, often in response to something.
Synonyms: emotions, sentiments, vibes (informal), feelings
Antonyms: apathy, indifference, stoicism, numbness
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction (Psychology/Self-help): Authors often discuss how to "feel" emotions, or how people "feel" about certain situations. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown explores vulnerability and how to "feel" deeply without numbing oneself (Gotham, September 2012). A science book might explain how our bodies "feel" pain or temperature.
Fiction: Characters frequently "feel" various emotions or describe physical sensations. "She could feel the warmth of the sun on her skin." A character might "feel a sense of impending doom."
Cookbooks: Recipes might instruct readers to "feel for doneness" when cooking meat or bread.
Newspapers
News Articles: Journalists report on how communities or leaders "feel" about current events or new policies. "Residents feel betrayed by the latest decision" (The Washington Post, June 2025). A report on public health might cover how patients "feel" after a new treatment.
Opinion Pieces: Columnists express how they "feel" about social issues or political developments. "I feel strongly that this reform is necessary."
Sports Sections: Athletes might describe how they "feel" after a tough game or how a team "feels" about their chances. "The team feels confident ahead of the playoffs."
Online Publications
Health and Wellness Sites: Many articles offer advice on how to "feel" better emotionally or physically. "Tips to help you feel less stressed."
Blogs: Personal blogs often share experiences of how the author "felt" during a significant life event. Product reviews might describe the "feel" of a new gadget in hand.
Social Media: Users frequently "feel" and express emotions about content, or ask others how they "feel" about something. "I feel so seen by this post!"
Educational Content: Tutorials might say, "You should feel a slight tension here" when describing a physical exercise.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters use "feel" to express emotions, physical states, or opinions. A character might say, "I feel terrible about what happened," or "Does this feel right to you?" Storylines often explore how characters "feel" about their circumstances.
Music: Song lyrics are a primary medium for artists to "feel" and express emotions, as in "I can feel it coming in the air tonight."
Video Games: Players receive feedback on how their character "feels" (e.g., "low health," "well-rested"). Narratives often aim to make players "feel" immersed or challenged.
Podcasts: Hosts discussing a topic might ask, "How do you feel about that?" or share their own personal "feelings" on a subject.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people constantly use "feel" to describe their state or opinion. "I feel a bit tired today." "How do you feel about the new movie?"
Workplace: Colleagues might discuss how they "feel" about a new project deadline or ask, "Do you feel this approach is effective?"
Medical Consultations: Doctors ask patients, "Where do you feel the pain?" or "How are you feeling today?"
Public Speeches: Speakers often aim to connect with the audience's "feelings" or express how they themselves "feel" about an issue.
10 Quotes Using Feel
"I feel the need... the need for speed." (Tom Cruise, Top Gun)
"I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." (Vincent Van Gogh)
"It's a beautiful day to save lives. It's a beautiful day to feel alive." (Patrick Dempsey, Grey's Anatomy)
"I always feel like somebody's watching me." (Rockwell)
"Just feel the rhythm, just feel the rhyme, get on up, it's bobsled time!" (Cool Runnings)
"You make me feel like a natural woman." (Aretha Franklin)
"I feel good, I knew that I would now." (James Brown)
"How does it feel to be on your own?" (Bob Dylan)
"I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes, love is all around me and so the feeling grows." (Wet Wet Wet)
"You don't know how it feels until you've truly experienced it yourself."
Etymology
The word "feel" comes from the Old English word "fēlan," which meant "to perceive by touch," "to experience," or "to grasp." It's related to similar words in Germanic languages that conveyed a sense of physical or emotional sensation.
The first known use of "feel" in English, with the meaning of "to perceive by touch," dates back to before the 9th century. It appeared in texts referring to experiencing things through the senses, and soon after, to experiencing emotions.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Feel
Feel free: To do something without hesitation or formal permission. "Please feel free to ask any questions."
Feel out: To subtly ascertain someone's opinions or intentions. "We need to feel out their reaction before making a proposal."
Feel strongly: To have a firm belief or opinion about something. "She feels strongly about environmental protection."
Feel one's way: To move cautiously or explore a situation carefully, often when uncertain. "He had to feel his way through the dark room."
Feel blue: To feel sad or depressed. "He's been feeling blue since the news."
Feel on top of the world: To feel extremely happy and healthy. "After winning, she felt on top of the world."
Get a feel for: To become accustomed to or gain an understanding of something. "It took a while to get a feel for the new software."
Feel the pinch: To experience financial hardship. "Many families are feeling the pinch due to rising prices."
Feel up to: To feel capable of doing something. "I don't feel up to going out tonight."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of feel from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
