feel
feel — verb
1. to be aware of a physical or emotional state inside your body or mind — for exam
to be aware of a physical or emotional state inside your body or mind — for example, feeling happy, tired, cold, or sad.
Tara felt a sharp pain in her ankle after stepping off the kerb.
feel + noun phrase (physical sensation)
Eshe felt nervous before her first piano recital at school.
feel + adjective (emotional state)
Wren felt the cat brush against his leg under the table.
feel + object + verb (physical contact)
The children felt a sudden chill when the wind picked up.
After the long hike, Anna felt completely exhausted but proud.
- feel + adjective
- feel + pain
- feel + cold
- feel + tired
- feel + happy
- sense
more formal, often used for detecting subtle things (sense trouble, sense danger)
- experience
broader; can refer to going through events, not just feelings
- notice
focuses on becoming aware of something with your senses
- ignore
to deliberately not pay attention to a feeling
Grammar Patterns
feel + adjective
feel + noun phrase
feel + object + -ing verb
Usage Note
Frequently used with adjectives to describe emotions (feel happy, feel tired) and with noun phrases to describe physical sensations (feel pain, feel a breeze). Do not confuse with 'sense' — feel is about direct bodily or emotional awareness, while 'sense' can imply detection without direct feeling.
Common Mistakes
2. to want something at a given moment — for example, feeling like a cup of tea or
to want something at a given moment — for example, feeling like a cup of tea or feeling like going to the beach.
Do you feel like pizza for dinner, or would you rather cook something?
feel like + noun phrase
After sitting indoors all morning, Vivek felt like going for a long walk.
feel like + -ing verb
Roya felt like a hot shower after shovelling snow for an hour.
I don't feel like watching a movie tonight — I am too tired.
- feel like + noun
- feel like + gerund
- don't feel like
Grammar Patterns
feel like + noun phrase
feel like + -ing verb
Usage Note
This sense typically uses the pattern 'feel like + noun/gerund.' It is not used with a that-clause. The negative form 'don't feel like' is very common in everyday speech.
Common Mistakes
3. to almost wish you could do something, even though you stay quiet or do not actu
to almost wish you could do something, even though you stay quiet or do not actually act on the urge — for example, feeling like telling someone off but holding back.
Tuan felt like telling his boss exactly what he thought, but he held back.
feel like + -ing (hypothetical urge)
When Andrés saw the price tag, he felt like walking away immediately.
Lara felt like crying when she read the letter, yet she stayed calm.
The traffic jam was so bad that Yasmin felt like getting out and walking.
- be tempted to
more explicit about the pull toward something
- could
as in 'I could have screamed' — similar hypothetical urge
Grammar Patterns
feel like + -ing verb (hypothetical)
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 2 (WANT): sense 3 describes a hypothetical urge that the subject does not act on. The sentence often continues with 'but' or 'yet' to show the action was not carried out.
4. to be unusually sensitive to cold temperatures, especially getting cold faster o
to be unusually sensitive to cold temperatures, especially getting cold faster or more often than other people.
My grandmother really feels the cold and wears a heavy coat even in autumn.
feel the cold (idiomatic sense)
Haruto did not feel the cold because his coat was thick and well made.
After chemotherapy, Cyrus felt the cold much more than he used to.
Older people often feel the cold more than younger ones do.
- feel the cold
- feel the heat
- be sensitive to cold
more literal, less idiomatic
- be warm-blooded
informal; describes someone who seldom feels cold
Grammar Patterns
feel + the cold / the heat
Usage Note
Almost always used with a definite object: 'the cold' or 'the heat.' The pattern 'feel the cold' is idiomatic and means a person is sensitive to cold, not that they are cold at this moment.
5. to experience no physical sensation, especially pain — used in the phrase 'not f
to experience no physical sensation, especially pain — used in the phrase 'not feel a thing' when someone has been given an anesthetic or is unable to sense touch or hurt.
The dentist said I would not feel a thing during the procedure.
not feel a thing (idiomatic)
Her hands were so cold that she could not feel the keys in her pocket.
After the injection, Noa did not feel any pain in his tooth.
The boxer's face was so swollen that he could not feel his own nose.
- not feel a thing
- not feel any pain
- be numb
describes the state rather than the experience
- hurt
direct opposite in a pain context
Grammar Patterns
not feel + a thing
not feel + any + noun
Usage Note
Most commonly appears in the fixed expression 'not feel a thing,' which is informal but widely used. The literal negative form 'not feel any pain' is neutral in register.
6. to hold a view about something, often based more on emotion or instinct than on
to hold a view about something, often based more on emotion or instinct than on facts — for example, feeling that a plan will work, or feeling that someone can be trusted.
Valentina felt that the interview went well, even though she was nervous.
feel + that-clause (opinion)
The committee felt the proposal to be too risky for now.
feel + object + to be
Jin felt strongly about protecting the local park from development.
Élise feels it is unfair that students have to pay for parking on campus.
Ryan felt certain that he had locked the door before leaving.
- feel that
- feel strongly about
- feel certain
- doubt
to lack belief or certainty
Grammar Patterns
feel + that-clause
feel + object + to be + adjective/noun
feel + adjective + about
Usage Note
Common in polite or diplomatic contexts: 'I feel that…' is softer than 'I think that…' and suggests the speaker is offering a personal view. Can be followed by a that-clause, an object + to be complement, or an adjective complement.
Common Mistakes
7. to pass your hand across something or press it with your fingers so that you can
to pass your hand across something or press it with your fingers so that you can learn about its texture, shape, or location — for example, checking whether a fabric is soft, or seeking a light switch in total darkness.
Rodrigo felt the fabric of the suit to see if it was wool or cotton.
feel + noun (examine by touch)
In the dark hallway, Tariq felt for the light switch along the wall.
feel for + noun (search by touch)
The doctor felt the patient's ankle to check for swelling.
Allison felt around in her bag for her phone but could not find it.
Iker felt how smooth the polished stone was before placing it on the shelf.
- feel for
- feel around
- feel + adjective (how smooth/soft)
Grammar Patterns
feel + noun phrase
feel + for + noun
feel + question word
Usage Note
This sense is active — the person deliberately uses their sense of touch to gain information. 'Feel for' suggests searching for something you cannot see. 'Feel around' suggests a wider searching motion.
feel up to
phrasal verbto have the energy or confidence to do something, especially after illness or difficulty.
Nikos just had the flu and does not feel up to running a marathon yet.
Do you feel up to a short walk around the park this afternoon?
feel out
phrasal verbto carefully try to discover someone's opinion or attitude without directly asking.
Michael felt out his colleagues before proposing the new schedule.
Priya tried to feel her out about the merger during lunch.
feel for
phrasal verbTo search for something by touching with your hands.
He felt for the light switch in the dark room.
She felt for her keys in her bag.
feel up
phrasal verbTo touch someone in a sexual way without their permission.
He was arrested for trying to feel up a passenger on the bus.
She complained that her boss felt her up at the party.
be/feel flattered
idiomTo be pleased because someone has made you feel important or special.
Maya felt flattered when her boss praised her report.
Were you flattered by the invitation to speak at the conference?
be/feel hard done by
idiomTo feel that you have been treated unfairly.
After the promotion was given to someone else, Tom felt hard done by.
Do you think the team felt hard done by after the referee's decision?
To feel proud and happy about being given a special opportunity.
Sara felt honoured to be chosen as the team captain.
Would you feel honoured to meet the president?
To feel weak and shaky because you are nervous.
Before the exam, my legs felt like jelly.
When he saw the audience, his stomach turned to jelly.
feel your age
idiomTo realize that you are getting older, especially compared to younger people.
Playing with the kids made me feel my age.
Do you ever feel your age when you can't keep up?
Used to tell someone that they are allowed to do something.
Feel free to borrow any book from my shelf.
Can I use your phone? Feel free.
feel good
idiomTo feel happy, confident, or satisfied.
Helping others always makes me feel good.
After finishing the project, Diego felt really good.
To be certain about something without having proof.
I feel it in my bones that we will win the match.
She felt in her bones that something was wrong.
To want to have or do something.
I feel like a cup of hot tea right now.
Do you feel like going for a walk this evening?
feel the pinch
idiomTo have less money than usual, especially because of higher costs.
Many families are feeling the pinch after the price increase.
Small businesses began to feel the pinch during the recession.
feel your way
idiomTo move carefully by touching things, or to act cautiously in a new situation.
In the dark room, he felt his way to the door.
As a new manager, she is still feeling her way.
To feel that you must do something because it is morally right.
He felt honour-bound to return the lost wallet.
Did you feel honour-bound to attend the ceremony?
To look or feel very ill or extremely tired.
After the long flight, I felt like death warmed up.
You look like death warmed up; you should rest.
To look or feel extremely good and attractive.
In her new dress, Sara looked like a million dollars.
After the massage, I felt like a million bucks.
look/feel small
idiomTo look or feel stupid, weak, or ashamed.
His criticism made me feel small in front of everyone.
She looked small when she couldn't answer the question.
To do something that makes people notice you are there and have an influence.
The new teacher made her presence felt by organizing activities.
He made his presence felt during the meeting with strong opinions.
To not feel as healthy or energetic as usual.
I haven't been feeling up to the mark this week.
After the illness, she was not up to the mark.
not feel yourself
idiomTo not feel healthy or normal.
I'm not feeling myself today; I think I need rest.
She hasn't felt herself since the accident.
feel — noun
1. how a surface or material strikes you when you run your hand over it — for insta
how a surface or material strikes you when you run your hand over it — for instance, the soft feel of velvet or the rough feel of sandpaper.
I love the smooth feel of silk against my skin on a warm day.
the + adjective + feel + of
The feel of the old leather sofa reminded Christopher of his grandfather's study.
These towels have a lovely soft feel after being washed with fabric softener.
You can tell real wool by its warm, dry feel compared to synthetic fibres.
- smooth feel
- soft feel
- rough feel
- the feel of
Grammar Patterns
the feel of + noun
Usage Note
Usually paired with an adjective (soft, rough, smooth, warm) to describe the tactile quality. 'The feel of something' is a very common pattern. This sense is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
2. an act of touching something with your hand or fingers, often to examine or test
an act of touching something with your hand or fingers, often to examine or test it.
The jeweller gave the diamond a quick feel between his fingers.
give + noun + a feel
Aiko took a feel of the fruit to see if it was ripe.
take a feel of
A single feel of the wet paint told him it was still fresh.
The child reached out for a feel of the rabbit's soft fur.
- give + noun + a feel
- have a feel
- a quick feel
- touch
a single touch — more general, less examination-oriented
Grammar Patterns
a feel of + noun
Usage Note
Typically appears in phrases like 'give something a feel' or 'have a feel (of something).' Countable, found mostly in informal and spoken contexts.
3. the overall mood or impression that a location, event, or situation gives people
the overall mood or impression that a location, event, or situation gives people — for example, the friendly feel of a neighbourhood café or the tense feel of a waiting room before an exam.
The old town has a relaxed feel that tourists find very charming.
a + adjective + feel
The feel of the office changed completely after the new manager arrived.
Wren loved the lively feel of the night market in Taipei.
The restaurant tries to create a cosy feel with warm lighting and wooden tables.
- relaxed feel
- cosy feel
- modern feel
- the feel of
- atmosphere
more formal; 'feel' is warmer and more subjective
- vibe
informal slang; 'feel' is neutral in register
- ambience
more literary; used especially in describing places
Grammar Patterns
the feel of + place/situation
a + adjective + feel
Usage Note
Often modified by an adjective (modern, old-fashioned, relaxed, cosy). 'Give something a feel' is a common construction. Do not confuse with sense 1 (TEXTURE) — this sense is about abstract atmosphere, not physical texture.
4. a natural ability or intuitive understanding of something, especially a subject,
a natural ability or intuitive understanding of something, especially a subject, skill, or activity — for example, having a good feel for languages or a feel for how machines work.
Tara has a natural feel for the piano, even though she has had few lessons.
have a feel for
Good designers develop a feel for which colours work well together.
After years of teaching, Eshe had a real feel for what her students needed.
You need a feel for numbers if you want to work in accounting.
- have a feel for
- natural feel
- good feel for
Grammar Patterns
a feel for + noun/gerund
have a feel for
Usage Note
Commonly appears in 'have a feel for (something).' It suggests an intuitive grasp rather than formal knowledge. This sense is different from 'a feeling that…' which refers to a specific belief; 'a feel for' refers to a general ability.
5. the process of becoming comfortable and familiar with a new activity, tool, or s
the process of becoming comfortable and familiar with a new activity, tool, or situation through practice — for example, getting the feel of a new car's steering or a new job's routine.
It took Jin a few weeks to get the feel of the new accounting software.
get the feel of
The pilot spent an hour getting the feel of the controls before taking off.
Once you get the feel of the surfboard, balancing becomes much easier.
Haruto got the feel of the city by walking through different neighbourhoods.
- get the feel of
- get the feel for
- get used to
broader meaning; 'get the feel of' implies physical or hands-on familiarity
- get the hang of
more informal; suggests learning a skill
Grammar Patterns
get the feel of + noun/gerund
Usage Note
Almost always used in the phrase 'get the feel of (something).' The focus is on the process of becoming accustomed, not on the end result.
6. the understanding of a new environment that develops as you spend time there — f
the understanding of a new environment that develops as you spend time there — for example, getting a feel for a new school or a different neighbourhood.
After a month in Kyoto, Valentina began to get a feel for the local culture.
get a feel for (place/culture)
The new teacher spent the first week getting a feel for how the class worked.
You need to get a feel for the market before you invest any money.
Walking through the old district gave Ryan a feel for the city's history.
- get a feel for
- a feel for the place
- familiarity
more formal; 'feel' is more subjective
- sense
as in 'get a sense for' — very similar meaning
Grammar Patterns
get a feel for + noun (place/situation)
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 5 (GET USED TO): sense 5 focuses on mastering a skill or tool; sense 6 focuses on becoming familiar with a place, situation, or social environment. Often uses 'get a feel for' rather than 'get the feel of.'
7. an intense emotional response such as love, anger, joy, or sadness that a person
an intense emotional response such as love, anger, joy, or sadness that a person goes through.
Allison could not hide her feelings of disappointment when the trip was cancelled.
feelings of + noun
After the argument, Nikos had mixed feelings about calling his brother back.
mixed feelings
The film brought back feelings of nostalgia for her childhood summers.
Tuan tried to put his feelings into words, but it was not easy.
- feelings of
- mixed feelings
- hurt feelings
- strong feelings
Grammar Patterns
feelings of + noun
your feelings
Usage Note
This sense is almost always used in the plural form 'feelings.' Singular 'a feeling of…' is also common. 'Mixed feelings' (having both positive and negative emotions) is a frequent collocation.
Common Mistakes
8. a person's emotional sensitivity, especially the possibility of being upset or o
a person's emotional sensitivity, especially the possibility of being upset or offended — used in expressions like 'hurt someone's feelings' or 'no hard feelings.'
Roya did not want to hurt her sister's feelings by criticising the meal.
hurt someone's feelings
After the argument, Cyrus said he had no hard feelings about what happened.
no hard feelings
Tariq was careful not to offend anyone, because he knew feelings were running high.
feelings are running high
I understand you disagree, but this is not an attack on your feelings.
- hurt feelings
- hard feelings
- no hard feelings
- feelings run high
- emotions
overlaps but 'feelings' is more about personal sensitivity
Grammar Patterns
hurt someone's feelings
no hard feelings
Usage Note
Always plural. Common in fixed expressions: 'hurt someone's feelings' (make someone feel sad or offended), 'no hard feelings' (used after an argument to show there is no anger), 'feelings run high' (people are very emotional).
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/6
These four words all express an opinion, but they differ in strength and basis. 'Think' is the most neutral — you use it when you have reasons or evidence: 'I think the train leaves at six.' 'Feel' is more personal and intuitive: 'I feel we should wait a bit longer.' It suggests emotion or instinct, not logic. 'Believe' is stronger and implies conviction: 'I believe she is telling the truth.' It often relates to values or trust. 'Sense' is the most intuitive and subtle — it suggests noticing something without clear proof: 'I sensed he was hiding something.' In everyday speech, 'think' is most common, 'feel' works well for personal opinions, 'believe' is for firmer views, and 'sense' is best for barely-conscious awareness. For example: 'I think the meeting is at 3pm' (fact-based); 'I feel this approach is better' (personal opinion); 'I believe in second chances' (deep conviction); 'I sense tension in the room' (intuitive awareness).
Common collocations
Etymology
The verb 'feel' comes from Old English 'fēlan,' meaning 'to touch, perceive, or have a sensation,' which traces back to the Proto-West Germanic *fōlijan. It is related to the Old Saxon 'gifōlian,' Old High German 'fuolen' (modern German 'fühlen'), and Old Norse 'fālma' (to grope). The noun sense developed from the verb in late Old English, referring to the sense of touch or the quality of something perceived through touch. The emotional and opinion senses appeared by the Middle English period, around the 13th – 14th centuries. The underlying Proto-Indo-European root is *pōl- ('to touch, feel').