Feelings Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈfiːlɪŋs/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A complex emotional state or feeling, often characterized by intense emotional experience, attitude, or mood, influencing an individual’s thoughts, behavior, and interactions.

Examples

• The artist expressed her feelings through her vibrant paintings.
• During the therapy session, they explored his feelings about the past trauma.
• She struggled to verbalize her feelings about the break-up.
• The new employee felt nervous on his first day, but his feelings soon subsided.
• The couple’s feelings for each other deepened over time.

Synonyms

• Emotions
• Attitudes
• Moods

Antonyms

• Detachment
• Rationality

Additional Information

Feelings can be deeply personal and influence an individual’s self-perception, relationships, and overall well-being. They can also be shaped by societal norms, cultural expectations, and personal experiences. Effective communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence are crucial for understanding and managing feelings in both personal and professional settings.

Feelings can be a valuable source of inspiration, creativity, and motivation, leading people to express themselves through various forms of art, music, writing, and other creative outlets.

Etymology

The word ‘Feelings’ originates from Old English ‘fēolan,’ meaning ‘to sense’ or ‘to perceive.’ Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a range of emotional states, attitudes, and moods.

Usage Notes

Use ‘Feelings’ to describe an individual’s emotional state or experience, often in the context of emotional intelligence, empathy, or personal growth.

Avoid using ‘Feelings’ as a standalone noun, as it can be ambiguous; instead, use it in combination with other words or phrases to provide clarity.

Cultural References

In popular culture, feelings are often explored in literature, music, and film. For example, the book ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee features characters grappling with feelings of empathy, compassion, and injustice.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Common idioms that include the word ‘Feelings’ include ‘Get your feelings hurt’ and ‘Hurt feelings.’ These expressions convey the emotional impact of a situation or interaction.

Related Words or Phrases

Words and phrases closely related to ‘Feelings’ include ‘Emotions,’ ‘Moods,’ ‘Attitudes,’ and ‘Emotional Intelligence.’

Collocations

Common word combinations with ‘Feelings’ include ‘Feelings of happiness,’ ‘Feelings of sadness,’ and ‘Feelings of excitement.’

Frequency of Use

‘Feelings’ is a commonly used term in everyday language, particularly in contexts related to emotional intelligence, relationships, and personal growth.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of ‘Feelings’ include ‘Feelings,’ ‘Fellings,’ and ‘Feeling.’