Feeling: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'feeling' to describe a general or specific physical or emotional state. It can be both positive and negative.

• I have a strange feeling about this place.
• She couldn't hide her feelings for him.

This word is more formal and refers to strong feelings often tied to psychological states such as love, hate, anger, or happiness. It is often used in psychological or therapeutic contexts.

• He struggled to control his emotions.
• Her speech evoked strong emotions among the crowd.

Use 'sentiment' to talk about a general view or attitude toward something, often shared by a group. It is more formal and can sometimes carry a figurative or literary tone.

• Public sentiment is shifting in favor of the new policy.
• There is a lot of sentiment attached to this old photograph.

This term refers to a temporary state of mind or feeling that changes over time. It often describes someone's general attitude or emotional state at a given moment.

• She's in a good mood today.
• His mood worsened after he heard the news.

It's used to describe emotional states or tactile sensation. Can be internal emotions or physical sensations.

• I have a strange feeling about this place
• I have no feeling in my left hand

This word is used to describe the act of physically coming into contact with an object or person. It often refers to physical sensation and can sometimes have a negative connotation if it refers to unwelcome contact.

• He reached out to touch the painting
• Please don't touch my things without permission

It describes the ability to perceive stimulus through sight, sound, touch, taste, or smell. It can also refer to a general awareness or instinct.

• He has a good sense of direction
• I can sense that something is wrong

Used to describe the act of becoming aware of something through the senses, often implying interpretation and understanding of that awareness.

• She could perceive his hesitation
• It's difficult to perceive any change in his behavior