The phrase "feeling around" is spelled using the standard English alphabet with no irregularities. "Feeling" is pronounced as /ˈfiː.lɪŋ/ with emphasis on the first syllable and the "ee" sound being a long vowel sound. "Around" is pronounced as /əˈraʊnd/ with the schwa sound at the beginning and "ou" phonetically pronounced as a diphthong. Together, the phrase denotes the action of searching or exploring for something through touch or intuition.
"Feeling around" refers to the act of groping or searching for something with one's hands or using tactile sensation, often in situations where visibility is limited or uncertain. This term can also encompass a metaphorical sense, referring to the process of exploring or investigating a situation, idea, or concept in an intuitive or speculative manner, without having complete knowledge or certainty.
In a physical sense, feeling around typically involves using one's hands to touch and explore an object or area to gain information or locate something specific. This can be done when visibility is low, such as in the dark or in poorly lit places, or when an object's exact location or characteristics are uncertain. It entails relying mainly on the sense of touch to gather information.
Metaphorically, feeling around is used to describe the process of searching for clarity or understanding in a subject matter, idea, or situation. It implies an exploratory approach where one may not have all the necessary information or experiences to form a definitive conclusion. Instead, it involves being open to possibilities, testing hypotheses, and gathering insights through intuition and instinct rather than relying solely on empirical evidence.
Both in a literal and metaphorical sense, feeling around suggests an experimental and adaptive approach, where one relies on sensory perception, intuition, or trial and error to navigate through uncertain territories to uncover hidden knowledge or make sense of complex situations.
The phrase "feeling around" does not have a distinct etymology of its own. Instead, it can be understood by examining the etymology of its individual components.
1. Feeling: The word "feeling" originated from the Old English word "felan" which meant "to touch, perceive, or experience". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "felaną" which has similar meanings. Over time, the word "feeling" evolved to refer to emotional or instinctive responses as well.
2. Around: The term "around" emerged from the Middle English word "arounden" which was a combination of the Old English word "on" (meaning "on" or "in") and the Middle English word "round" (meaning "ring" or "circle"). Therefore, "around" originally meant to encircle or surround something.