Definition of feel for

The origin of the phrase "feel for" can be traced back to the mid-19th century in the English language. Initially, it was used in a medical context to describe the process of testing a patient's sensory abilities by touching or pressing different parts of their body. In this sense, the term "feel for" meant the ability to perceive physical sensations through touch, often in order to diagnose or treat a medical condition. Over time, the meaning of "feel for" began to expand beyond the medical realm into more general usage. Today, it refers to an intuitive or sympathetic understanding of someone else's emotions or perspectives, as in "she has a real feel for what her co-workers need." In this sense, the term is used to describe an ability to connect with others on an emotional level. Overall, the evolution of "feel for" reflects a broader trend in English language usage, where words from specialized domains are adopted more broadly as they become integrated into everyday speech. This highlights how specialized vocabulary and general usage can enrich the English language and provide a richer understanding of our shared experiences.