feeling - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
feeling Word Meanings
- emotional states or responses
- sensations or impressions
- personal opinions or beliefs
feeling Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
feeling Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈfiːlɪŋ/
US
/ˈfiːlɪŋ/
feeling Word Etymology
Root decomposition: 'feel' (to perceive through the senses) + '-ing' (indicating a state). Historical origin: Old English 'fēlan' (to feel) → Middle English 'feeling' → Modern English. Memory image: Imagine touching a warm, soft blanket and feeling safe; this warmth represents the emotions stirred within us.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Feeling is a noun that covers emotional states or responses, as well as sensations or impressions you perceive through your body. It can describe a mood, such as a sudden feeling of joy, fear, or disappointment, or a physical sensation like warmth or muscle tension. You might talk about a general feeling about a person or situation, or describe a personal belief or opinion as a gut feeling or a strong feeling that guides your judgment. In nuance, English sometimes distinguishes 'feeling' from 'emotion' or 'mood' by scope or intensity, though in everyday speech they blur. Etymology: from the verb feel plus the suffix -ing, with roots in Old English fēlan; memory image: imagine touching a warm blanket that evokes safety and emotion.
Usage Reminders
- Use feeling for both emotional states and physical sensations. Avoid overusing 'feeling' for factual statements. Pair with 'a feeling of' or 'have a feeling that'. Distinguish feeling from mood and emotion when precision matters. Remember it can describe opinions too, as in 'my feeling is that...'
Common Misconceptions
- Feeling equals emotion; they are not always the same in everyday use.
- Feeling cannot describe opinions or beliefs.
- Feeling is only about the senses, not about mood or attitude.
- A 'feeling about' something is always a strong belief.
- Feelings are always private and cannot be shared in conversation.
Thinking Differences
Native English speakers often use feeling to convey both a concrete bodily sensation and an abstract emotional sense, sometimes swapping with emotion or mood depending on emphasis. Learners may over- or under-qualify feelings, misplacing them in contexts of fact vs. opinion or confusing 'I feel that' with 'I think that'.
Learning Tips
- Practice pairing feelings with objects or situations (a feeling of warmth, a feeling about the decision).
- Use 'I have a feeling that' for intuition, and 'I feel that' for opinion-based statements.
- Differentiate between physical sensations and emotions in context.
- Note collocations: 'a feeling of', 'feeling sorry for', 'feeling hopeful'.
- Compare with 'emotion' and 'mood' to sharpen nuance.
- Keep a small diary of feelings to track shifts over time.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'feeling'?
A.Judgmental
B.Tiresome
C.Sensation
D.Amused
Step 2: Usage
How is 'feeling' used in a sentence?
A.They were feeling arrogant.
B.He was feeling hungry.
C.She was feeling lazy.
D.I am feeling hardworking.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'feeling'?
A.Confusion
B.Enthusiasm
C.Emotion
D.Indifference
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'feeling'?
A.Numbness
B.Joy
C.Excitement
D.Passion
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you use the word 'feeling'?
A.Planning a trip
B.Describing emotions
C.Discussing politics
D.Talking about buildings
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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