Feel vs. Feel Like

Attribute	Feel	Feel Like
Definition	Refers to the physical or emotional sensation experienced by a person	Refers to the similarity or resemblance of one thing to another in terms of sensation or experience
Usage	Commonly used to describe one's emotions or physical sensations	Commonly used to make comparisons or analogies
Subjectivity	Can be subjective and vary from person to person	Can be subjective and depend on individual perceptions
Literal vs Figurative	Often used in a literal sense	Often used in a figurative or metaphorical sense

Definition

Feel and feel like are two commonly used phrases in the English language that are often confused due to their similar meanings. The word "feel" is a verb that refers to the perception of touch or sensation. It can also be used to describe emotions or attitudes. On the other hand, "feel like" is a phrase that is used to express a similarity or comparison between two things or situations.

Usage

When using the word "feel," it is typically followed by a noun or adjective to describe a physical or emotional sensation. For example, "I feel tired" or "She feels happy." On the other hand, "feel like" is followed by a clause or phrase that describes a comparison or similarity. For example, "I feel like I'm walking on air" or "It feels like summer outside."

Subjectivity

One key difference between "feel" and "feel like" is the level of subjectivity involved. When using "feel," the statement is typically more objective and straightforward. For example, "I feel cold" is a simple statement of fact. On the other hand, when using "feel like," the statement is more subjective and open to interpretation. For example, "I feel like I'm drowning in work" is a more subjective statement that conveys a feeling or emotion.

Emphasis

Another difference between "feel" and "feel like" is the emphasis placed on the subject of the sentence. When using "feel," the emphasis is on the person or thing experiencing the sensation. For example, "I feel tired" emphasizes the speaker's state of being. On the other hand, when using "feel like," the emphasis is on the comparison being made. For example, "I feel like a million bucks" emphasizes the comparison to feeling wealthy or successful.

Context

The context in which "feel" and "feel like" are used can also impact their meanings. "Feel" is often used in more formal or professional settings to describe physical or emotional sensations. For example, a doctor might ask a patient, "How do you feel today?" On the other hand, "feel like" is often used in casual or informal settings to express opinions or comparisons. For example, friends might say to each other, "I feel like going out tonight."

Connotation

Finally, the connotations of "feel" and "feel like" can differ based on the context in which they are used. "Feel" is often associated with physical sensations or emotions, while "feel like" is often associated with comparisons or similes. For example, "I feel happy" conveys a straightforward emotion, while "I feel like a fish out of water" conveys a comparison to feeling out of place.