Feal vs. Feel – Which is Correct?
The word you are looking for is feel. The spelling “feal” is a common misspelling and is not a recognized word in standard English. Always use “feel” when referring to sensations, emotions, or touching something.
Feel or Feal – Which is Correct?
Between “feel” and “feal,” only feel is a correct and valid word in the English language. “Feal” is a common misspelling, likely arising from phonetic confusion. English pronunciation can sometimes lead to similar-sounding vowels being represented by different spellings (e.g., “ee” and “ea”), but in this case, “feel” is the established and correct form.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feel | Verb, Noun | (Verb) To perceive by touch; to experience an emotion or physical sensation. (Noun) A sensation or quality perceived by touch. | I feel happy when I listen to music. The fabric has a soft feel. |
| Feal | Incorrect | Not a recognized word in standard English. | (Incorrect usage) I |
How to Use Feel
The word “feel” is highly versatile and can function as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it primarily means to perceive through touch, to experience an emotion or physical sensation, or to have a particular impression or belief. As a noun, “feel” refers to a sensation, an atmosphere, or a quality that is perceived by touch.
Example 1 (Verb – Sensation): “Can you feel the warmth of the sun on your skin?”
Example 2 (Verb – Emotion): “She began to feel a sense of calm after the storm.”
Example 3 (Noun – Quality): “The expensive silk scarf had a luxurious feel.”
What are the different forms of Feel?
As an irregular verb, “feel” has the following forms:
- Base form: feel
- Past simple: felt
- Past participle: felt
- Present participle: feeling
- Third-person singular present: feels
As a noun, “feel” can be used in its singular form, and less commonly in plural contexts when referring to distinct sensations, though it’s often an uncountable noun.
Etymology of the word Feel
The word “feel” originates from the Old English word fēlan, which meant “to touch, perceive by touch, have a sensory experience, perceive with the mind.” This, in turn, comes from the Proto-Germanic *fōljanan. Its roots highlight a consistent connection to sensory perception and emotional experience, a meaning that has largely been retained throughout its linguistic history.
Related Concepts
The confusion between “feel” and “feal” is a classic example of a common spelling error, often rooted in phonetics. Many English words contain similar vowel sounds that can be spelled in different ways (e.g., “ea” in “read” and “ee” in “heed”). This phenomenon can lead to misspellings when writers rely solely on how a word sounds rather than its established spelling. In this case, “feel” with “ee” is the correct and universally accepted spelling for the verb and noun related to sensation and emotion.
Just as with ‘feel,’ understanding the correct past tense forms, such as smelled or smelt, is crucial for precise writing.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “I could not feel my legs, and my heart was thumping like a drum.” – From The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- “It’s a wonderful feel to have a new book in your hands.” – From a review of a new novel.
- “You make me feel like dancing.” – From the song “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” by Leo Sayer.
- “The author has a remarkable ability to make you feel what the characters are experiencing.” – Literary critique.
- “She tried to feel for the light switch in the dark room.” – From a suspense novel.
Feel Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Sense | To perceive by the senses; to detect. |
| Experience | To undergo or be subjected to (an event or occurrence). |
| Touch | To come into contact with (something) physically. |
| Perceive | To become aware or conscious of (something); to come to realize or understand. |
| Believe | To accept (something) as true, especially without proof. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is ‘feal’ ever a real word?
No, “feal” is not a real word in standard English. It is a common misspelling of “feel.”
Question 2: Why do people misspell ‘feel’ as ‘feal’?
People often misspell “feel” as “feal” due to phonetic confusion. Both “ee” and “ea” can represent a long ‘e’ sound in English, leading to uncertainty about the correct spelling.
Question 3: What’s the difference between ‘feel’ as a verb and a noun?
As a verb, “feel” means to experience a sensation or emotion (e.g., “I feel cold”). As a noun, “feel” refers to a sensation, an atmosphere, or a quality perceived by touch (e.g., “The soft feel of velvet”).
Conclusion
In the “feal vs feel” debate, the correct and only accepted word is “feel.” “Feal” is simply a misspelling and should be avoided in all written communication. Understanding the correct spelling and usage of “feel” is crucial for clear and professional writing. Always remember that “feel” relates to sensations, emotions, and perceptions, and its “ee” spelling is consistent across its various forms. Pro Tip: Double-checking common phonetic misspellings can significantly enhance your written credibility and prevent misunderstandings.
