Feel About: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
August 19, 2024

"Feel about" conveys someone's emotional reaction or viewpoint on something or someone. The phrase is commonly used to ask or depict how one is emotionally impacted by or perceives a certain subject, event, or individual. For example, you could ask, "What are your feelings about the recent company changes?" to understand another person's sentiments or attitudes regarding workplace updates. Overall, it expresses personal outlooks and responses.

In short:

  • It is used to express or inquire about one's emotions or attitudes.
  • It can apply to various contexts, including personal experiences, opinions on subjects, or reactions to events.

What Does "Feel About" Mean?

"Feel about" is a phrasal verb that questions or describes someone's emotional stance or opinion concerning a matter. This phrase is flexible and can be used in diverse contexts, from personal feelings about relationships to opinions on social issues. The structure typically involves the person, the verb "feel," and the preposition "about," followed by the object of discussion. It's a way to probe into or articulate the emotional or subjective aspect of one's experiences or viewpoints.

More about the phrase's meaning:

  • It invites a reflection on one's emotions or opinions.
  • Used to gain insight into someone's personal views or emotional responses.
  • It can lead to discussions that explore deeper feelings and thoughts.
  • This phrase is often employed in conversational settings to foster understanding or empathy.
  • Comparable expressions include "think of," "opinion on," and "attitude towards."

Where Does "Feel About" Come From?

The origins of the phrase "feel about" are intertwined with the evolution of the English language, particularly in how emotions and opinions are articulated. While the exact historical beginnings are not pinpointed, its use is widespread in conversational and written English. The phrase leverages the verb "feel," which has been in the English language for centuries, indicating a sensory or emotional experience, combined with "about" to direct the feeling towards a specific topic or issue.

10 Examples of "Feel About" in Sentences

To provide a clearer understanding of its usage, here are some examples:

  • I'd like to know how you feel about the plans for the new community center.
  • She was unsure how to feel about the sudden attention she was receiving.
  • He expressed how he feels about the current political climate.
  • Can we make it up? I'm unsure how you feel about our argument, but I'm ready to try and mend things.
  • Can you tell me how you feel about this decision?
  • We discussed how we feel about the changes in our neighborhood.
  • I've been there myself; losing a loved one is devastating. How do you feel about joining a grief counseling session?
  •  I'm curious: how do you feel about your achievements despite what he said?
  • I'm curious to hear how you feel about the latest book by your favorite author.
  • It's difficult to articulate how I feel about this year's events.

Examples of "Feel About" in Pop Culture

This phrase is prevalent in pop culture, as it often appears in songs, movies, and TV shows where characters explore their feelings toward various subjects.

Some notable examples include:

  • Nikita Gill emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in relationships in her quote, "Always be honest about the way someone makes you feel about yourself."
  • Aislin Evans captures the transformative power of new love in her song Feel About You.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "Feel About"

Alternative phrases to convey a similar meaning include:

  • Think of
  • Opinion on
  • Attitude towards
  • View on
  • Stance on
  • Perception of
  • Reaction to
  • Position on
  • Sentiment towards
  • Impressions of

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Feel About":

  • What does "feel about" imply in a conversation?

It implies a request for someone to share their emotions or opinions on a specific topic, suggesting a personal or subjective perspective.

  • Can "feel about" be used in professional contexts?

Yes, it can be used in professional settings to understand colleagues' or stakeholders' attitudes towards projects, changes, or decisions.

  • Is "feel about" always about negative emotions?

No, it can refer to a wide range of emotions, including positive, negative, or mixed feelings.

  • How does "feel about" differ from "think about"?

"Feel about" focuses on emotional responses, while "think about" refers to cognitive or rational thoughts.

  • Can this phrase be used in written communication?

Yes, it's commonly used in emails, letters, and social media to inquire about someone's feelings or to express one's own emotions regarding a matter.

  • Does "feel about" require a direct object?

Yes, it typically requires a topic, issue, or person as the object of the preposition "about" to specify what the feeling is directed towards.

  • Is it a formal or informal phrase?

It's considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the tone and wording of the overall conversation or text.

  • How can "feel about" enhance communication?

By encouraging the expression of emotions and opinions, it can enhance understanding, empathy, and connection between individuals.

  • Can "feel about" be used with abstract concepts?

Yes, it's often used to discuss feelings towards abstract concepts like love, justice, or freedom.

  • How is "feel about" perceived in different cultures?

Perception may vary, as some cultures encourage open expression of emotions while others may be more reserved. Context and cultural sensitivity are important.

Final Thoughts About "Feel About"

The phrase "feel about" is a crucial linguistic tool for articulating and understanding emotions and opinions. It serves as a bridge for communication, allowing individuals to express their feelings on a wide array of topics and fostering a deeper connection and comprehension among speakers.

To recap:

  • It facilitates the expression of personal emotions and viewpoints.
  • Applicable in many contexts, it enhances personal and professional interactions.
  • "Feel about" encourages a focus on emotional understanding and empathy.
  • Its versatility makes it suitable for discussing both concrete subjects and abstract concepts.

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook. Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

U.S Dictionary is the premier dictionary about the English language as used in the United States of America.
Copyright © 2024 - U.S. Dictionary
Privacy Policy
magnifier