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What is the Meaning of “Feeling”?

Feeling
/ˈfiːlɪŋ/

An emotion or sense that you experience, like happiness, sadness, or pain.

Definition of Feeling

Quick Meaning of Feeling

An emotion or sense that you experience, like happiness, sadness, or pain.

Detailed Definition of Feeling

An emotion or physical sensation experienced by a person.

How to Pronounce Feeling

IPA: /ˈfiːlɪŋ/
feel ing

Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).

Tip: Stress the first syllable FEE-ling; the 'ing' is unstressed and sounds like 'ing' in 'ring'.

Watch out: Sometimes mispronounced as 'FEEL-eng' or with stress on second syllable; primary stress stays on first.

Full pronunciation guide for “feeling” →

Origin and Etymology of Feeling

From Old English felan plus -ing suffix, meaning the act or result of feeling.

How to Use Feeling in a Sentence

Each example shows “feeling” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “Her first feeling was surprise when she opened the gift.”
    A1 daily
  • “The feeling of warm sunlight is very pleasant.”
    A2 daily
  • “I have a bad feeling about this situation.”
    A2 conversation

Synonyms and Antonyms of Feeling

Common Synonyms for Feeling

Smart Synonyms for Feeling — When to Use Each

emotion
when referring specifically to feelings like joy or
sensation
when describing physical feelings like pain or warmth

See all synonyms for “feeling” →

Common Collocations with Feeling

These phrases pair with “feeling” in everyday English:

  • hurt feelings
  • bad feeling
  • warm feeling
  • gut feeling
  • mixed feelings

Common Mistakes When Using Feeling

Even fluent speakers slip up with “feeling”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: What feeling do you have about it?
✓ Correct: What feelings do you have about it?
Why: Plural 'feelings' is more natural when referring to multiple emotions someone experiences.
✗ Wrong: I don't have any feeling about it.
✓ Correct: I don't have any feelings about it.
Why: When negating or discussing general emotional states, use plural 'feelings' rather than singular.

Words Confused With Feeling

  • Feeling vs Emotion: Emotion is internal state; feeling is the perception of it Compare →
  • Feeling vs Sense: Sense is perception; feeling is the emotional or physical response Compare →

Other Forms of Feeling

Frequently Asked Questions About Feeling

What is the meaning of "Feeling"?

An emotion or sense that you experience, like happiness, sadness, or pain.

How do you pronounce "Feeling"?

The IPA is /ˈfiːlɪŋ/. Stress the first syllable FEE-ling; the 'ing' is unstressed and sounds like 'ing' in 'ring'.

What part of speech is "Feeling"?

"Feeling" is a noun at A1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Feeling"?

Common synonyms include emotion, sensation, sense.

How do you use "Feeling" in a sentence?

For example: "Her first feeling was surprise when she opened the gift."

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