feel

¹feel

verb \ˈfēl\

felt \ˈfelt\ feel·ing

Definition of FEEL

transitive verb

1

a : to handle or touch in order to examine, test, or explore some quality

b : to perceive by a physical sensation coming from discrete end organs (as of the skin or muscles)

2

a : to undergo passive experience of

b : to have one's sensibilities markedly affected by

3

: to ascertain by cautious trial —usually used with out

4

a : to be aware of by instinct or inference

b : believe, think <say what you really feel>

intransitive verb

1

a : to receive or be able to receive a tactile sensation

b : to search for something by using the sense of touch

2

a : to be conscious of an inward impression, state of mind, or physical condition

b : to have a marked sentiment or opinion <feels strongly about it>

3

: seem <it feels like spring today>

4

: to have sympathy or pity <I feel for you>

— feel like

: to have an inclination for <feel like a walk?>

Examples of FEEL

1. He felt a sudden pain in his leg.
2. I could feel the warmth of the sun.
3. I felt someone tap my shoulder.
4. Do you feel a draft?
5. She felt the fabric to see if it was wool.
6. Your ribs are bruised, but I don't feel any broken bones.

Origin of FEEL

Middle English felen, from Old English fēlan; akin to Old High German fuolen to feel, Latin palpare to caress

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to FEEL

Synonyms

perceive, scent, see, sense, smell, taste

Related Words

behold, descry, discern, distinguish, espy, eye, look (at), note, notice, observe, perceive, regard, remark, sight, spy, view, witness; ascertain, catch on (to), discover, find out, hear, learn, realize; anticipate, divine, expect, foreknow, foresee; assume, conjecture, guess, presume, speculate, suppose, surmise, suspect

Near Antonyms

distrust, doubt, mistrust, question, suspect; disbelieve, discredit, reject

Rhymes with FEEL

ceil, chiel, creel, deal, deil, eel, heal, heel, keel, Kiel, kneel, leal, meal, peal, peel, real, reel, seal, seel, shiel, speel, spiel, squeal, steal, steel, Steele, streel, teal, tuille, veal, weal, wheal, wheel, zeal

²feel

noun

Definition of FEEL

1

: sensation, feeling

2

: the sense of touch

3

a : the quality of a thing as imparted through or as if through touch

b : typical or peculiar quality or atmosphere; also : an awareness of such a quality or atmosphere

4

: intuitive knowledge or ability

Examples of FEEL

1. the feel of old leather
2. Although the table is brand-new, it has the look and feel of an antique.
3. He liked the feel of the sun on his face.

First Known Use of FEEL

13th century

Related to FEEL

Synonyms

sensation, feeling, sense

Related Words

impression, perception; hint, suggestion, touch

Other Psychology Terms

fetish, hypochondria, intelligence, mania, narcissism, neurosis, pathological, psychosis, schadenfreude, subliminal