Feelings

/ˈfiːlɪŋz/

nounBeginnerVery CommonScience

Definitions

2 meanings
1

An emotional state or reaction.

/ˈfiːlɪŋ/

nounneutralBeginner
Science

It's important to be aware of your feelings.

💡 Simply: Feelings are like the colors of your heart! They're how you know if you're happy, sad, scared, or excited. Like when you get a big hug, you feel happy!

👶 For kids: How you feel, like happy, sad, or mad!

More Examples

2

He tried to hide his feelings.

3

She has mixed feelings about the new job offer.

How It's Used

Psychology

"Understanding and managing one's feelings is crucial for mental well-being."

Interpersonal Communication

"She expressed her feelings honestly and openly."

2

A belief or opinion.

/ˈfiːlɪŋ/

nounneutralmedium
General

The prevailing feeling was that the project should continue.

💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'feelings' can also be what you *think* or *believe* about something, like what you feel about a certain food or a new rule.

👶 For kids: What you think or believe, like what you think about your favorite toy.

More Examples

2

I have a strong feeling that we should invest in this company.

3

What are your feelings on the matter?

How It's Used

Social Discourse

"Public feelings about the issue were divided."

Politics

"The politician tried to gauge the public's feelings."

Tip:Your FEELINGS can represent a belief or sentiment you hold.

Idioms & expressions

hurt feelings

A state of being emotionally wounded or offended.

"She apologized for hurting his feelings."

get your feelings hurt

To become emotionally upset or offended.

"He tends to get his feelings hurt easily."

touchy-feely

Excessively demonstrative of affection or emotion.

"The company culture was a bit touchy-feely for his liking."

From Middle English felynge, a verbal noun of feelen, from Old English fēlan (“to feel, experience”).

The word 'feelings' has been used to denote emotional states since the early modern English period, evolving from earlier meanings related to physical sensation.

Memory tip

Think of how you FEEL when you're happy, sad, angry, etc.

feellingsfealings

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written