A 'feeling' is your personal experience of an emotion or a physical sensation.
Word in 30 Seconds
- An emotional state or physical sensation.
- How you feel inside or sense physically.
- Common word for emotions and physical awareness.
Overview
The word 'feeling' is a fundamental concept in English, referring to both emotional states and physical sensations. It's a versatile noun that allows us to communicate our internal experiences to others. Whether it's an emotion like joy or anger, or a physical sensation like hunger or cold, 'feeling' encompasses a wide range of human experiences.
Usage Patterns
As a noun, 'feeling' is often used with articles ('a feeling', 'the feeling') or possessives ('my feeling', 'her feeling'). It can be the subject or object of a sentence. We often talk about 'having a feeling' or 'getting a feeling' about something. It can also be used in the plural, 'feelings', to refer to multiple emotions, especially in the context of relationships.
Common Contexts
'Feeling' is used in everyday conversations about emotions, health, and general well-being. For example, 'I have a strange feeling about this' or 'She has a warm feeling of comfort.' It's also used when discussing physical sensations, such as 'a feeling of fullness' or 'a tingling feeling.' In more personal contexts, 'feelings' often refers to romantic or emotional connections.
Similar Words Comparison
While 'feeling' can refer to both emotions and physical sensations, 'emotion' specifically denotes a strong mental state like happiness or anger. 'Sensation' is used for physical experiences perceived by the senses, like touch or temperature. 'Mood' refers to a temporary state of mind or feeling, often less intense than an emotion. 'Feeling' is the most general term.
Examples
I have a good feeling about this new project.
everydayTengo un buen presentimiento sobre este nuevo proyecto.
The doctor asked about any unusual feelings in his stomach.
medicalEl doctor preguntó sobre cualquier sensación inusual en su estómago.
She shared her feelings of loneliness with her friend.
interpersonalElla compartió sus sentimientos de soledad con su amiga.
There was a feeling of unease in the room after the announcement.
general observationHabía una sensación de inquietud en la sala después del anuncio.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
What's the feeling?
¿Cuál es la sensación/el ambiente?
I've got a feeling...
Tengo la sensación...
trust your feelings
confía en tus instintos/sentimientos
Often Confused With
'Emotion' specifically refers to strong mental states like joy, anger, or fear. 'Feeling' is broader and can include physical sensations as well as emotions.
'Sensation' primarily refers to physical perceptions through the senses, like touch, temperature, or pain. 'Feeling' can encompass these but also emotional states.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word 'feeling' is very common in everyday English. It can be used to describe both internal emotional states and physical sensations. When referring to emotions, especially in the context of relationships, the plural 'feelings' is often used.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 'feeling' with 'emotion' or 'sensation'. Remember that 'feeling' is the most general term and can cover both categories. Avoid using 'feeling' when a more specific word like 'emotion' or 'sensation' is clearly intended.
Tips
Express your inner world
Use 'feeling' to share how you are experiencing something, both emotionally and physically.
Avoid vague descriptions
While 'feeling' is useful, try to be more specific when needed. Instead of 'I have a good feeling,' say 'I feel happy' or 'I feel optimistic.'
Sharing feelings is common
In many English-speaking cultures, openly discussing feelings and emotions is encouraged, especially in close relationships.
Word Origin
The word 'feeling' comes from the Old English word 'feling', related to the verb 'fele', meaning to touch, perceive, or sense. It has evolved to cover both physical and emotional perception.
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, expressing one's feelings is considered healthy and important for building strong relationships. Openly discussing emotions is often encouraged.
Memory Tip
Think of 'feeling' as the 'way you feel' inside, whether it's about your heart (emotions) or your body (sensations).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsWhile often used interchangeably, 'feeling' is a broader term that includes physical sensations. 'Emotion' usually refers to a more specific, strong mental state like happiness or sadness.
Yes, absolutely. You can describe a physical experience, like warmth or pain, as a 'feeling'.
We use 'feelings' in the plural, especially when talking about emotions related to relationships, like 'He hurt my feelings.'
Yes, 'feeling' is a very common and basic word used in everyday English for both emotional and physical experiences.
Test Yourself
I have a strange ___ that something is wrong.
'Feeling' is the most appropriate word here for an intuition or premonition.
She described the warm feeling of the sun on her skin.
The sentence describes a physical sensation perceived by the skin.
about / a / I / have / feeling / this / strange
This is the grammatically correct order for the sentence.
Score: /3
Summary
A 'feeling' is your personal experience of an emotion or a physical sensation.
- An emotional state or physical sensation.
- How you feel inside or sense physically.
- Common word for emotions and physical awareness.
Express your inner world
Use 'feeling' to share how you are experiencing something, both emotionally and physically.
Avoid vague descriptions
While 'feeling' is useful, try to be more specific when needed. Instead of 'I have a good feeling,' say 'I feel happy' or 'I feel optimistic.'
Sharing feelings is common
In many English-speaking cultures, openly discussing feelings and emotions is encouraged, especially in close relationships.
Examples
4 of 4I have a good feeling about this new project.
Tengo un buen presentimiento sobre este nuevo proyecto.
The doctor asked about any unusual feelings in his stomach.
El doctor preguntó sobre cualquier sensación inusual en su estómago.
She shared her feelings of loneliness with her friend.
Ella compartió sus sentimientos de soledad con su amiga.
There was a feeling of unease in the room after the announcement.
Había una sensación de inquietud en la sala después del anuncio.
Quick Quiz
I have a strong _____ that we are going to win the game today.
Correct!
The correct answer is: feeling
Related Content
See it in Videos
8:37
How expert songwriters find the right lyrics | Think Like A Musician
"I have a good feeling about our vacation this summer."
4:57
The Most Iconic Star Wars Quotes
"I have a good feeling about our vacation this summer."
2:54
【THE FIRST TAKE】Aladdin-A Whole New World🎵 (English Cover)
"I have a good feeling about our vacation this summer."
Learn it in Context
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More Emotions words
abanimfy
C1A collective psychological state characterized by a profound loss of vitality, spirit, or motivation within a specific group or community. It describes the stagnation that occurs when a social structure or organization loses its shared sense of purpose and creative energy.
abanimize
C1The systematic process of neutralizing or stripping away emotional intensity from a situation to achieve a state of detached objectivity. It is primarily used to describe a mental state where complex human sentiments are reduced to manageable, clinical facts to avoid personal bias.
abhor
C1To feel a strong sense of horror, disgust, or intense hatred toward something. It is a formal verb used to describe a deep-seated moral or emotional repulsion.
abminity
C1To regard something with intense loathing or extreme disgust; to treat an object or idea as an abomination. It is used in high-level contexts to describe a profound moral or aesthetic aversion toward an action or concept.
abmotine
C1Describes a state of being emotionally detached or lacking intrinsic motivation, often characterized by a cold, clinical, or indifferent stance. It is used to denote a specific lack of movement or response to external emotional stimuli.
abominable
C1Causing a feeling of hatred or disgust; very unpleasant or disagreeable. It often describes something morally repulsive or extremely bad in quality.
abphilous
C1To consciously withdraw or distance oneself from a previous affinity, attraction, or emotional attachment. It involves a systematic effort to break a psychological bond in order to achieve a state of neutrality or objectivity.
absedhood
C1Describing a state of being profoundly detached or emotionally withdrawn from one's surroundings or social responsibilities. It refers to a specific condition of intense, often self-imposed, isolation or a lack of interest in external affairs.
abvidness
C1The quality or state of being intensely eager, enthusiastic, or consumed by a particular interest or desire. It represents a level of dedication and spirited engagement that often goes beyond standard enthusiasm, typical of scholars, collectors, or hobbyists.
adacrty
C1Alacrity refers to a cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness to do something. It describes not only the speed of an action but also the positive and enthusiastic attitude of the person performing it.
