feel for

1. Grope, reach for with one's hands, as in It was pitch dark, and I felt for the doorknob . [Early 1700s]

2. feel for someone . Sympathize with or feel sorry for someone, as in Tom was so upset that I felt for him . This usage was put as feel with by Shakespeare: “It resounds as if it felt with Scotland” ( Macbeth , 4:3). Both senses of feel for are present in the somewhat sarcastic I feel for you but I can't quite reach you , meaning “Too bad, but I don't really feel sorry for you.”

Example Sentences

England's deadly dull World Cup qualifying victory against Andorra had a Groundhog Day feel for long-time followers of this particular bandwagon.

From BBC

While it felt like the same old for Chelsea, it was a different feel for City.

From BBC

“She has such a deep feel for human beings. This is a sad, mournful but beautiful meditation on loss. People should be prepared to cathartically cry. There isn’t a false note in it.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ever the competitor, Herbert felt it was important to face a live pass rush and get a feel for the ball coming out of his hand before the regular season.

From Los Angeles Times

"I'm going to pursue my claim, but I do feel for the people it's put a stop to," she says.

From BBC

Related Words

• approach 
• attain 
• contact 
• end 
• go 
• join 
• lead 
• make 
• pass 
• stand 
• strike