I Feel That: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
July 22, 2023

The idiom "I feel that" carries rich subtleties that shape our communication. This expression, used to preface a personal belief, opinion, or emotion, encapsulates a speaker's subjectivity. This phrase promotes humble personal perspectives, fostering discussion and empathy.

In short:

"I feel that" is an idiom expressing personal belief, emotion, or perspective, thereby promoting empathetic dialogue.

What Does "I Feel That" Mean?

"I feel that" is an idiomatic expression often used to introduce personal opinions, beliefs, or thoughts on a particular subject. It is commonly used in conversations, discussions, or when expressing one's viewpoint. Related expressions include "I believe," "I think," "From my perspective," and "in my opinion," all of which similarly emphasize personal perspectives.

  • Conveys subjectivity: The phrase underscores the fact that the upcoming statement is a personal viewpoint, not a universal truth.
  • Promotes empathy: It creates a space where diverse opinions can be shared and respected.
  • Encourages dialogue: The phrase facilitates discussion by softening the impact of potentially controversial or difficult ideas.
  • Personal perspective: "I feel that" indicates that the following statement represents the speaker's subjective viewpoint or belief.
  • Opinion introduction: It serves as a phrase to introduce an opinion and signal that what follows is the speaker's personal interpretation or assessment.
  • Softening language: Using "I feel that" helps soften the tone of the statement and makes it less confrontational, allowing for a more diplomatic expression of ideas.

Where Does "I Feel That" Come From?

The idiom "I feel that" has its origins in the English language. It is a phrase commonly used to express an individual's subjective opinion or belief about a particular matter. The phrase is often employed to preface statements or viewpoints, emphasizing personal sentiment rather than objective fact.

Historical Example

"I feel that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth."

- John F. Kennedy, 1961

10 Examples of "I Feel That" in Sentences

Let's explore the idiom's versatility through diverse examples.

  • I feel that it's a quarter to four, and we should leave soon.
  • He said he felt that the project was off track.
  • She feels that we're rushing the decision.
  • After years of experience in the field, I can confidently say that the tried and tested methods are the ones I feel that yield the best results.
  • We feel that this is the best course of action.
  • You may feel that I'm being too cautious.
  • I feel that our conversation has been enjoyable. Til next time!
  • She deeply feels that they're making a mistake.
  • He honestly feels that he's doing the right thing.
  • I feel that it would be unfair to trick him into believing something false.

Examples of "I Feel That" in Pop Culture

From songs to films, the idiom permeates popular culture.

  • "I feel that in the end, love will conquer." Lyrics from "In the End" by Linkin Park.
  • In the TV show Friends, Joey says, “I feel that Ross and Rachel were on a break,” expressing his opinion about the iconic couple’s relationship.
  • In the movie The Devil Wears Prada, Miranda Priestly states, “I feel that florals for spring are groundbreaking,” conveying her sarcastic opinion about fashion trends.
  • In the song “Someone Like You” by Adele, she sings, “I feel that finally, I’m at peace with myself,” expressing her emotional growth and self-acceptance.
  • In the TV series Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen asserts, “I feel that I was born to rule the Seven Kingdoms,” revealing her belief in her destiny as a queen.
  • In the film Mean Girls, Regina George exclaims, “I feel that butter is a carb,” displaying her ignorance regarding nutrition facts.
  • In the book 1984 by George Orwell, Winston Smith reflects, “I feel that Big Brother is always watching me,” expressing his fear and paranoia under a totalitarian regime.
  • In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama shared, “I feel that change is possible when we come together as a nation,” emphasizing his belief in unity and progress.
  • In the TV series Breaking Bad, Walter White declares, “I feel that I am awake now,” symbolizing his transformation from a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug lord.

Other Ways to Say "I Feel That" in Sentences

Several ways convey the same sentiment as"I feel that."

Some of these include:

  • We need to rethink our strategy.
  • In my opinion, we're focusing on the wrong problem.
  • I think that he's not telling us the whole story.
  • I think it’s best if we all get over it.
  • It seems to me that we're moving too fast.
  • I have a feeling that this is going to work.
  • I am of the opinion that we should proceed.
  • It's my belief that she's the best candidate.
  • From my viewpoint, the situation is improving.
  • I believe it’s time for me to take the initiative.

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "I Feel That"

  • What does "I feel that" mean?

The phrase "I feel that" is used to express a personal viewpoint or emotion, thereby emphasizing subjectivity and promoting empathetic dialogue.

  • What are some synonyms for "I feel that"?

Some common synonyms include "I believe," "I think," "in my opinion," "it seems to me," "from my perspective," and "I have a feeling that."

  • How is "I feel that" used in a sentence?

The phrase "I feel that" usually precedes a personal belief, perspective, or emotion. For example, "I feel that we need a change."

  • Is "I feel that" an informal expression?

"I feel that" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase.

  • Can "I feel that" be used in written English?

Yes, "I feel that" is commonly used in both spoken and written English.

  • Why is "I feel that " important in communication?

The phrase "I feel that" is important as it allows speakers to express personal viewpoints with humility, promoting respect and empathy in conversations.

  • Does "I feel that" make a sentence sound weak?

Not necessarily. While some people may view it as a sign of hesitance, it can also reflect emotional intelligence and respect for diverse opinions.

  • Is "I feel that" a sign of passive communication?

Although it can be seen as a passive phrase, "I feel that" is often a sign of reflective and respectful communication.

  • Can "I feel that" be overused?

Like any phrase, "I feel that" can be overused and may become repetitive or lose impact. Variation in the language is always advisable.

  • Is "I feel that" used in other languages as well?

While the exact phrase "I feel that" might not be used, equivalent expressions exist in many languages to express personal perspectives or emotions.

Final Thoughts About "I Feel That"

The idiom “I feel that” holds significant importance in everyday language. It is commonly used to express personal opinions or beliefs about a particular situation or topic.

  • "I feel that” is an expression used to convey one’s subjective perspective or viewpoint.
  • It indicates that the speaker is sharing their personal thoughts, emotions, or beliefs on a matter.
  • The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as discussions, debates, or when expressing preferences.
  • It emphasizes that the statement being made is based on individual perception rather than objective facts.

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