The phrasal verb "feel for" is predominantly used in informal contexts, though it can appear in formal settings when conveying empathy or sympathy in personal communications such as speeches or letters. Typically, "feel for" means to empathize with or feel sympathy for someone. The usage is common in situations where someone is undergoing a difficult time, and another person wishes to express their understanding or compassion, e.g., "I really feel for you at this difficult time." It is less about overt actions and more about emotional support, making it more prevalent in spoken language, personal narratives, social media, or storytelling. The verb "feel" in this context is followed by a preposition "for," which signifies focus on another individual's experience or emotion, thus subtly strengthening the empathetic tone of the phrase. The usage of "feel for" is rooted in relatable human emotions, making it a common phrase in daily conversations.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To have sympathy or compassion for someone in a difficult situation.
I really feel for her after hearing about her loss.
He has been so stressed at work; I feel for him completely.
2. To instinctively seek something by touch, especially in the dark.