Feel
/fiːl/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo perceive or experience something physically through the senses, especially through touch.
/fiːl/
To experience a physical sensation.
I can feel the soft fur of the cat.
💡 Simply: When you *feel* something, it means your body or mind is aware of it. For example, you might *feel* the wind on your face, or *feel* sad after a movie. It's like your body's way of telling you what's happening!
👶 For kids: To know something by touching it or by what your body tells you.
More Examples
The cold air makes me feel chilly.
She felt a sharp pain in her arm.
How It's Used
"I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin."
To experience an emotion or state of mind; to be emotionally affected by something.
/fiːl/
To experience an emotion or a state of mind.
I feel sad when it rains.
💡 Simply: When you *feel* something emotionally, it's like what's happening inside your heart and head. You might *feel* excited about a party, or *feel* worried before a test. It's all about how you're *feeling* inside!
👶 For kids: To have a feeling inside you, like happy, sad, or mad.
More Examples
She felt excited about the new opportunity.
They feel confident in their abilities.
How It's Used
"I feel happy when I see my friends."
"He felt anxious about the upcoming exam."
To have an opinion or belief about something; to believe or think.
/fiːl/
To have an opinion or belief.
I feel that it's important to be kind to others.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, *feel* can mean what you think or believe. Like, "I *feel* like it's going to rain." It's like expressing your opinion or what you guess will happen.
👶 For kids: To think or believe something.
More Examples
She felt the project was a success.
He feels that the new policy is unfair.
How It's Used
"I feel that this is the right decision."
"I feel that he will win the competition."
The sensation, impression, or emotion experienced; the quality or sensation of something when touched.
/fiːl/
The act of experiencing physical sensation or emotion.
I loved the feel of the warm sand under my feet.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, *feel* is what something feels like to the touch or how an experience makes you feel inside. Like the soft *feel* of a teddy bear.
👶 For kids: How something feels when you touch it.
More Examples
The room had a cold feel.
The feel of the music set a happy mood.
How It's Used
"The feel of the soft fabric was pleasant."
Idioms & expressions
feel like
To have a desire or inclination for something; to be in the mood for something.
"I feel like going to the movies tonight."
feel for someone
To sympathize with someone.
"I really feel for her after what happened."
feel up to
To have the strength, energy, or inclination to do something.
"I don't feel up to going out tonight."
From Old English *fēlan*, Proto-Germanic *fōlijaną*, related to *fōtiz* (foot), suggesting physical sensation. Evolved to include emotional and intuitive senses.
The word 'feel' has been used since Old English to describe physical sensations and evolved to include emotions over time.