The Past Tense of Feel: Here’s What It Is and How to Use It

If you have ever been curious about the correct english grammar past tense of feel, this article will clear that up plus give you a look into the history of the word, the definition, and everything else you could want to learn about the word.

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What is the Definition of the Word Feel?

The word feel is defined as:

  • : SENSATION, FEELING
  • the sense of touch
  • the quality of a thing as imparted through or as if through touch
  • the typical or peculiar quality or atmosphere
    • also: an awareness of such a quality or atmosphere
  • intuitive knowledge or ability

How do you Conjugate Verb Forms of Feel?

Here are the other american english verb conjugations of the verb feel:

Base Form (Infinitive) Feel 
Simple Past Tense VerbsFelt 
Past Participle of FeelFelt 
Past Perfect TenseFeeling 
Present Participle/ Present Tense/ Simple Present Feeling 

The History and Origin of the Word

Verb- 

The word feel comes from the Proto-Germanic word foljanan from the PIE root pal or pel meaning to feel, shake, or strike. In Old English language , the word felan was used meaning to touch or have a sensory experience of, or the perception or sense of something. In the 12th century, the word was used as the perception of touch, through the senses not necessarily referring to a specific organ, and the sense of pleasure or pain. In the 14th century, the word was used to have an opinion or conviction about something, to react with sympathy or compassion, or to try by touch. 

Noun- 

In the 13th century, the word was used as sensation or understanding. The action of feeling something is from the 15th century. In the 17th century, it was used to describe the sensation produced when you touch something. The slang saying, “to feel someone up” is attested to the 1900s. 

Synonyms for Feel

  • Perceive-: to attain awareness or understanding of
    • to regard as being such 
    • to become aware of through the senses
  • Sense-a meaning conveyed or intended: IMPORT, SIGNIFICATION
    • the faculty of perceiving by means of sense organs
    • conscious awareness or rationality —usually used in plural
    • finally came to his senses
    • a particular sensation or kind or quality of sensation 
    • a good sense of balance
  • Feeling-: one of the basic physical senses of which the skin contains the chief end organs and of which the sensations of touch and temperature are 
    • a sensation experienced through this sense
    • generalized bodily consciousness or sensation
    • appreciative or responsive awareness or recognition 
    • experience a feeling of safety
    • an emotional state or reaction 
    • a kindly feeling toward the boy
    • the undifferentiated background of one’s awareness considered apart from any identifiable sensation, perception, or thought
  • Sensation-: a mental process (such as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process 
    • awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ
    • a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes 
    • an indefinite bodily feeling 
    • something (such as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation
    • a state of excited interest or feeling 

Example Sentences with the Word Feel

Verb

  • He/she felt a sudden pain in his leg. 
  •  I am feeling the warmth of the sun.

Noun

  • You can tell it’s silk by the feel.
  • The model has the look and feel of wood.

Examples of the word in context

Summary 

Next time you need to write the word feel, you will be well prepared for everything you need to know what it is and how to use it efficiently. You should feel confident with the different conjugations, the history of the word, and the definition.

Sources:

  1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feel
  2. https://www.the-conjugation.com/english/verb/feel.php
  3. https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=feel
  4. https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoor-gear/a33625106/baby-carrier-backpack/
  5. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/coronavirus/os-ne-coronavirus-medical-examiners-20200826-p4hnz3h3vrafllnpf3fhbix2de-story.html
  6. https://www.self.com/story/dating-during-pandemic
  7. https://ew.com/tv/corporate-series-finale-memorial/
  8. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2020/08/25/fantasy-football-2020-ppr-draft-cheat-sheet/3380148001/
  9. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/mlb/diamondbacks/2020/08/24/diamondbacks-torey-lovullo-ride-hot-hand-struggling-bullpen/5628863002/
  10. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a32828138/why-politics-makes-you-angry/
  11. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/08/31/a-transit-workers-survival-story