The English language is full of confusing homophones words that sound the same but carry completely different meanings.
One particularly perplexing pair is “feal vs feel.” At a glance, it might seem like “feal” is just a typo. But in fact, this rare and archaic word has deep roots in historical linguistics and Old English vocabulary.
Let’s dive into the difference between feal and feel, uncover their origins, explore how to use them correctly, and clear up this word meaning confusion once and for all.
The Short Answer: “Feel” is the Word You Should Use Today
If you’re writing in contemporary English, use “feel” not “feal.”
- Feel is the modern, standard word recognized across all varieties of English.
- Feal is an archaic word that’s rarely used today, mostly in poetic language or historical references.
Quick Comparison Table
| Aspect | Feel | Feal |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Verb / Noun | Adjective |
| Meaning | To sense physically or emotionally | Loyal or faithful |
| Usage | Common in modern writing | Archaic, poetic, historical |
| Origin | Old English, Latin, Proto-Germanic | Old French, Middle English |
Understanding “Feel”
Feel Meaning in English
The word feel can function as both a verb and a noun. It’s used to describe both touch and sensation as well as emotions.
- Feel as a verb:
- “I feel the sun on my skin.”
- “Do you feel happy today?”
- Feel as a noun:
- “I love the feel of velvet.”
- “He had a strange feel about him.”
Synonyms for feel
- As a verb: sense, perceive, experience, detect
- As a noun: texture, sensation, vibe, atmosphere
Examples of feel in writing
Email Example (Professional):
Hi Maria,
I feel that the new marketing strategy needs a bit more testing before full launch. Let’s discuss tomorrow.
Best,
James
Email Example (Emotional):
Dear Claire,
I just wanted to say that I really feel for you during this difficult time. If there’s anything you need, I’m here.
Warm regards,
Andrew
The Archaic “Feal”
Feal Meaning and Feal Definition
The word feal is an adjective meaning loyal, faithful, or true. It dates back to Middle English and Old French origins.
- “A feal knight served his lord without question.”
Feal Adjective vs Verb
Unlike “feel,” feal is not used as a verb. It only functions as an adjective.
Feal Etymology
- From Old French feal, from Latin fidelis (meaning “faithful”).
- Entered English during the 14th century.
- Common in medieval context, such as stories of knights, kings, and loyalty.
Examples of feal in a sentence
- “The feal servant remained by the queen’s side even after the castle had fallen.”
- “In ancient texts, a feal companion meant more than a friend—it meant unwavering allegiance.”
Synonyms for feal
- Loyal
- Devoted
- Faithful
- Allegiant
Is Feal a Real Word?
Yes, feal is a real word. However, it’s considered archaic and is rarely seen outside of historical English words, poetic word usage, or literary analysis.
You won’t find it in modern English newspapers, emails, or most online writing. But you may still encounter it in:
- Medieval poetry
- Fantasy novels
- Historical dramas
- Classical literature
The Root Origins: A Journey Through Language
Understanding the language origin of these words helps make sense of their differences.
Feel Etymology
- Derived from Old English fēlan (to touch or perceive)
- Related to Proto-Germanic foljaną
- Influenced by Old Norse, Old Saxon, Old High German, and other Germanic languages
- Entered widespread use by the 16th century
Feal Etymology
- Borrowed from Old French feal
- Based on Latin fidelis (faithful)
- Became part of Middle English around the 14th century
- Common in Northern dialects such as the Northern Midlands
How to Use “Feel” Correctly in Modern Writing
Here’s a rule of thumb: If you’re expressing emotion, physical touch, or perception—use “feel.”
- “I feel cold.”
- “Can you feel the tension in the room?”
- “I feel like this project is off track.”
Email Tip: In business writing, “feel” is often used to diplomatically express an opinion.
“I feel that the current timeline might be unrealistic.” (softer than “The timeline is unrealistic.”)
Why “Feal” Has Faded Away
The decline of “feal” is due to the language evolution from Medieval context to contemporary English. As the need for chivalric or loyalty-based vocabulary diminished, so did “feal.”
In today’s writing, using “feal” can:
- Confuse readers unfamiliar with archaic language
- Distract from clear communication
- Seem out of place unless you’re writing historical fiction or poetry
Feal or Feel: Choosing Based on Context
When deciding between feal or feel, ask yourself:
- Are you referring to emotions or sensory perception? → Use feel
- Are you describing loyalty or faithfulness in a historical or poetic sense? → Then feal might be appropriate
Situational Examples
Poetic Context:
O feal heart, why dost thou ache with silent pride?
Modern Business Email:
I feel that we need to revisit the proposal’s budget section before final approval. Thank you, Oliver.
Common Mistakes: Why Writers Mix Them Up
- Homophones in English like feal vs feel sound identical, which leads to spelling confusion.
- Auto-correct features may suggest “feel” by default.
- Lack of awareness about archaic vocabulary.
Final Thoughts on Word Usage and Writing Clarity
To improve your writing clarity, use “feel” in everyday English unless you’re intentionally invoking medieval or poetic themes.
While feal is a legitimate word with a noble past, it has become largely obsolete. Today, the standard word is “feel,” whether you’re writing emails, essays, or novels.
Recap: Feal or Feel?
| Use | Word | Example |
| Modern emotions or sensation | Feel | “I feel happy today.” |
| Historical loyalty or faithfulness | Feal | “A feal knight never betrayed his lord.” |
Additional Resources
- Oxford English Dictionary – Feel
- Merriam-Webster – Feal (Archaic)
- Historical Thesaurus of English – Glasgow University
Conclusion
Words like feal remind us that English is an evolving tapestry, woven from threads of Old English, Latin, Old French, Germanic languages, and more.
While feal has mostly slipped into linguistic history, feel remains alive and vital, capturing the essence of touch, emotion, and perception.
So next time you’re writing and hesitate between “feal or feel”, just remember: unless you’re riding with knights in the 16th century, you should feel confident using “feel.”
