Feal vs Feel: Which One Should You Use?

In the rich world of the English language, some words can get tangled up and confuse us. One pair that often trips people up is “feal” and “feel.” Though they sound alike, their meanings and backgrounds are very different.

This guide will break down these two words, looking at what they mean, where they come from, and how we use them. 

Whether you love language, are studying, or just want to know more about English, this article will help you understand the interesting differences between “feal” and “feel.”

What Does the Word “Feal” Mean?

Feal is an adjective that is often described as archaic. It traditionally means “loyal” or “faithful.” The term is used to describe someone who is steadfast and devoted. 

In some contexts, “feal” can also function as a verb, meaning to conceal or hide. However, this usage is rare and mostly found in older texts. Because of its outdated nature, you won’t encounter “feal” in everyday conversation or writing.

See Also: Attorneys vs. Attornies: Which Spelling is Correct?

Origins of the Word “Feal”

The word “feel” has a rich history that traces back to the Old English term “felan,” which means “to touch or have a sensory experience of; perceive, sense.” 

This foundational meaning emphasizes the physical aspect of touch, illustrating how language evolves with human experience.

As the language developed during the late Old English period, the meaning of “feel” expanded to include “to have a mental perception.” 

This shift marked an important transition from purely physical sensations to the realm of emotional and psychological experiences. This duality of meaning highlights the complexity of human perception and how language adapts to encompass it.

The etymology of “feel” can be traced even further back to the Proto-Germanic root *“foljanan,” which reflects the concept of perception that spans multiple senses. This root is the source of similar words across various Germanic languages. For instance:

• Old Saxon: “gifolian”
• Old High German: “vuolen”
• Modern German: “fühlen”

Each of these terms carries the fundamental meaning of “to feel,” reinforcing the shared linguistic heritage among these languages.

What Does the Word “Feel” Mean?

Feel is a verb that conveys a wide range of meanings. It can refer to the physical sensation of touch, the emotional experiences we undergo, or even the perception of something non-physical, such as an atmosphere or mood. 

As a noun, “feel” represents the sense of touch or the emotional state related to a particular situation.

“Feal” vs “Feel”: The Differences

Understanding the differences between “feal” and “feel” is crucial for using these words correctly. Here are the key distinctions:

• Meaning: “Feal” means loyal or faithful, while “feel” relates to the senses or emotions.
• Usage: “Feal” is largely outdated and rarely used in modern language, while “feel” is commonly used in both spoken and written English.
• Part of Speech: “Feal” serves primarily as an adjective and occasionally as a verb, while “feel” functions as both a verb and a noun.

Synonyms for Feal and Feel

Understanding synonyms can help clarify the usage of “feal” and “feel.”

Feal (adj.)

• Loyal
• Faithful
• Devoted
• Trustworthy
• Steadfast

Feal (v.)

• Conceal
• Hide

Feel (verb)

• Perceive
• Experience
• Sense
• Detect

Feel (noun)

• Sensation
• Emotion
• Atmosphere

Examples in Context

Let’s look at how “feal” and “feel” can be used in sentences to clarify their meanings.

Feal (adj.)

• “The knight was known for his feal service to the king, always remaining loyal in battle.”

Feal (v.)

• “He chose to feal his true intentions from the group, hiding his plans for a surprise party.”

Feel (v.)

• “I can feel the warmth of the sun on my skin.”

Feel (n.)

• “The feel of the fabric was soft and inviting.”

Common Errors with “Feal” and “Feel”

When using “feal” and “feel,” many people make the mistake of confusing one for the other. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

• Using “feal” when you mean “feel”: This is a common mistake since they sound similar. Always remember that “feal” is about loyalty and is rarely used today.

• Misunderstanding the contexts: “Feel” is versatile and can describe physical sensations or emotional states, whereas “feal” is strictly about loyalty.

See Also: Make Do or Make Due: Clearing Up Common Confusion

When to Use Feal vs Feel in Writing

Understanding when to use “feal” and “feel” in your writing can enhance clarity and precision.

• Use “feal” when discussing loyalty in a historical context, especially in literature or formal discussions about the past.
• Use “feel” in most everyday conversations and writing when referring to emotions, sensations, or perceptions.

Writing Tips to Improve Word Choice

Improving your writing means choosing the right words. Here are some tips:

• Read Widely: Exposure to different styles can help you understand how to use words effectively.
• Keep a Thesaurus Handy: When in doubt, use synonyms to enhance your vocabulary.
• Practice: Write sentences using both “feal” and “feel” to master their differences.
• Seek Feedback: Share your writing with others for their insights on word usage.

How to Pronounce Feel?

The word “feel” is pronounced as /fiːl/. The pronunciation is straightforward, with a long “ee” sound followed by “l.” This simple sound structure makes it easy to say and remember.

Examples of “Feel” in a Sentence

Here are some examples to illustrate the usage of “feel”:

1. After a long day at work, I love to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin as I relax outside.
2. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed by my emotions, especially during significant life changes.
3. When you listen to that song, can you feel the nostalgia it evokes from your childhood?
4. As I walked through the old house, I could feel the history embedded in its walls.
5. She feels a strong connection to her roots and often participates in cultural events to honor them.
6. The doctor asked if I could feel any pain in my lower back during the examination.
7. I can feel the tension in the room as everyone awaits the announcement of the results.
8. Even after all these years, I still feel excited whenever I see my favorite band perform live.
9. It’s essential to feel confident in your abilities before taking on new challenges.
10. When I hold my newborn niece, I can feel the love and joy radiating from her tiny smile.

Feal in Sentences

Here are examples to show how to use “feal” correctly:

1. In medieval literature, a knight’s feal nature was often celebrated, symbolizing loyalty to his king and country.
2. The feal oath sworn by the warriors bound them to protect their land at all costs.
3. Many ancient texts refer to feal commitments, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in relationships.
4. As a feal servant, he always put his lord’s interests before his own, showcasing true loyalty.
5. The character in the story was portrayed as feal, never wavering in his allegiance to the queen.
6. In our discussion of loyalty, we often encounter the term feal, which reflects a steadfast dedication.
7. She made a feal promise to support her friends during difficult times, no matter the circumstances.
8. The community valued feal relationships, where trust and dependability were paramount.
9. He admired her feal disposition, always standing by her principles and friends.
10. Despite the challenges they faced, their feal bond remained unbroken, showcasing the strength of their friendship.

Conclusion

In summary, even though “feal” and “feel” sound alike, they have very different meanings and uses. “Feal” is an old-fashioned word that means loyal or faithful, and as a verb, it can mean to hide or conceal something. 

It’s mostly found in historical contexts and isn’t commonly used today. On the other hand, “feel” is widely used in modern English as both a verb and a noun. 

It refers to the act of sensing or experiencing something, whether it’s a physical sensation or an emotional response. Understanding these differences helps clarify your word choice in writing and communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is correct, feel or feal?

“Feel” is the correct term for contemporary usage, while “feal” is an archaic word rarely used today.

How to use feal?

Use “feal” to describe someone or something loyal or faithful, or as a verb meaning to hide or conceal, typically in historical contexts.