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v. felt (fĕlt), feel·ing, feels v.tr. 1. a. To perceive through the sense of touch: feel the velvety smoothness of a peach. b. To perceive as a physical sensation: feel a sharp pain; feel the cold. 2. a. To touch: reached out and felt the wall. 3. To test or explore with caution: feel one's way in a new job. 4. a. To undergo the experience of: felt my interest rising; felt great joy. b. To be aware of; sense: felt the anger of the crowd. c. To be emotionally affected by: She still feels the loss of her dog. 5. a. To be persuaded of (something) on the basis of intuition, emotion, or other indefinite grounds: I feel that what the informant says may well be true. b. To believe; think: She felt his answer to be evasive. v.intr. 1. To experience the sensation of touch. 2. a. To produce a particular sensation, especially through the sense of touch: The sheets felt smooth. b. To produce a particular impression; appear to be; seem: It feels good to be home. See Usage Note at well2. 3. To be conscious of a specified kind or quality of physical, mental, or emotional state: felt warm and content; feels strongly about the election. 4. To seek or explore something by the sense of touch: felt for the light switch in the dark. 5. To have compassion or sympathy: I feel for him in his troubles. n. Phrasal Verbs: 1. Perception by touch or by sensation of the skin: a feel of autumn in the air. 2. The sense of touch: a surface that is rough to the feel. 3. a. An act or instance of touching or feeling: gave the carpet a feel. b. Vulgar An act or instance of sexual touching or fondling. 4. An overall impression or effect: "gives such disparate pictures ... a crazily convincing documentary feel" (Stephen King). 5. Intuitive awareness or natural ability: has a feel for decorating. feel out To try cautiously or indirectly to ascertain the viewpoint or nature of: We'd better feel out the situation before acting. feel up Vulgar Idioms: To touch or fondle (someone) sexually. feel in (one's) bones To have an intuition of. feel like Informal To have an inclination or desire for: felt like going for a walk. feel like (oneself) To sense oneself as being in one's normal state of health or spirits: I just don't feel like myself today. feel (one's) oats 1. To be energetic and playful. 2. To act in a self-important manner. |
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