English Reference

Phrasal verb

feel for

Definition

phrasal verb. to feel sympathy or pity for someone because they are going through a hard time.

phrasal verb. to experience sympathy or compassion for someone, typically in response to their misfortune. This phrasal verb is transitive and requires a direct object, usually a person or a situation.

Examples

“I really feel for you and your family right now.”

“After his house was flooded, all his neighbors really felt for him and offered to help.”

“Although the judge followed the letter of the law, she clearly felt for the defendant, whose circumstances were truly tragic.”

Examples

simple

“I really feel for you and your family right now.”

contextual

“After his house was flooded, all his neighbors really felt for him and offered to help.”

complex

“Although the judge followed the letter of the law, she clearly felt for the defendant, whose circumstances were truly tragic.”

Usage

The object is usually a person, but it can also be a situation or a plight.

Teaching tip

Contrast this with 'pity', which can sound condescending, and 'sympathize with', which is more formal.

Pitfall

I feel him.

I feel for him.

Without the preposition 'for', the phrase either means literal touch or is a slang term for agreement.

Phrasal verb

Particles

for

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

feel + for + object

Synonyms

pitysympathize withempathize with

Antonyms

be indifferent to

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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