WordGarden.iofeel
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈiːl/
US
- /ˈfil/
Meanings
Verb
to experience an emotion, mood, or bodily state
to perceive or examine something by touching it
to have an opinion, belief, or intuition
More meaningsFewer meanings
to seem or give a particular impression
Noun
a tactile quality or general impression
an intuitive understanding or knack for something
Beyond the definition
To "feel" is more than just touching something. It is about experiencing the world both inside and out. You might feel joy when receiving a gift, or feel the rough texture of tree bark under your fingers. It also describes your physical state; for instance, you can feel tired after a long day or feel the warmth of a heater. Beyond sensations, "feel" can express beliefs or intuitions, such as feeling confident about a decision. It is a very flexible word, woven into how we understand our emotions, our bodies, and our surroundings.
Think of it like this: you feel with your heart, your skin, and your mind! A doctor might feel for a pulse, while you feel empathy for a friend in need. Sometimes "feel" even suggests a gut instinct—like feeling that something is about to change.
The word "feel" is deceptively simple, yet it serves as a bridge between our physical bodies and our inner lives. At its most literal level, it relates to physical perception and touch. We feel the sting of a paper cut, the breeze on our faces, or the soft fur of a pet. In these instances, "feel" acts as a verb for sensing external stimuli.
However, "feel" goes far beyond physical contact; it is the primary way we describe our emotional landscape. We feel happy, sad, or overwhelmed. These internal states often manifest as physical responses—a racing heart when you feel anxious or butterflies in your stomach when you feel excited. In this way, the word captures the inseparable link between mind and body.
"Feel" is also frequently used to express a belief or an opinion, often as a way to soften a statement. Saying "I feel this is the wrong choice" is less confrontational than saying "This is wrong." It suggests a personal conviction shaped by intuition and experience rather than just logic.
Furthermore, the word is essential for idiomatic expressions regarding health and readiness. Asking "How are you feeling?" is the standard way to inquire about someone's well-being, while saying you don't "feel up to" an activity suggests a lack of energy or inclination. Ultimately, "feel" is a fundamental word that connects us to ourselves and others. To feel is to be alive and to experience the full spectrum of human existence.
Examples
- 1
Physical sensation
My hands feel cold.
- 2
Emotions
She felt nervous before the interview.
- 3
Texture
This sweater feels soft.
- 4
Touch
I felt the fabric before I bought the jacket.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Physical perception
I could feel the floor shaking.
- 6
Pain
He felt a sharp pain in his back.
- 7
Situation
It feels strange to be here again.
- 8
Opinion
I feel that we need more time.
- 9
Identity feeling
After a month in the city, I still felt like a tourist.
- Patternfeel like + noun
feel as if you are that person or thing
- 10
Desire
Do you feel like going out tonight?
- Patternfeel like + -ing
want to do something
- 11
Energy
I don't feel up to meeting anyone today.
- Patternfeel up to + noun/-ing
have enough energy or confidence for it
- 12
Searching by touch
In the dark, she felt for the key in her bag.
- Patternfeel for + object
try to find it by touch
- 13
Sympathy
I really feel for him after what happened.
- Patternfeel for + person
feel sympathy for them
- 14
Permission
Feel free to ask if anything is unclear.
- Phrasefeel free to
do it if you want; don't worry about asking
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- feelverbnoun
Forms
- feeling-ing formverbnoun
- feltpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- feelsverbnoun