The phrase "feeling like" is a common expression used to express one's current emotional state or desires. The spelling of the word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as "ˈfiːlɪŋ laɪk". The initial sound is a long "e" followed by an "l" sound, with a short "i" sound before "ng". The second word is pronounced with a long "i" and then a "k" sound. Together, the phrase is often contracted to "feelin' like" in casual speech.
Feeling like is a commonly used phrase in casual conversation that expresses a subjective emotional state or an individual's perception of something. Generally, it is used to describe the personal experience or sensation one has at a specific moment or in response to a certain situation or stimulus.
The term "feeling like" indicates a connection between the inner emotional state of an individual and an external event, circumstance, or thought. It conveys the idea that one's current experience aligns with a particular mood, inclination, or desire. For instance, when saying "I'm feeling like going for a walk," the speaker suggests having an internal impulse or inclination towards taking a walk, perhaps due to restlessness, a desire for fresh air, or the anticipation of a pleasant experience outdoors.
Moreover, "feeling like" can also denote a figurative perception or resemblance to something abstract. By stating "I'm feeling like a burden," an individual expresses their subjective perception of being a weight or a cause of inconvenience or trouble to others, even if it may not necessarily reflect reality.
Ultimately, the phrase "feeling like" serves as a means to convey one's emotional and sometimes physical state, depicting the connection between an individual's internal world and their external perceptions or experiences. It provides a linguistic tool for expressing personal sensations, moods, or attitudes.
The phrase "feeling like" does not have a distinct etymology of its own, as it is composed of two common words. However, we can analyze the etymology of each component:
1. Feeling:
The word "feeling" originated from the Old English word "felan", which means "to touch or perceive". It is related to the Old High German word "folōn" and the Dutch word "voelen". The sense of "emotion or sentiment" emerged in Middle English.
2. Like:
The word "like" is derived from the Old English word "lician", which means "to please" or "to be similar". It is cognate with the Dutch word "lijk" and the German word "leichen". In Middle English, it acquired the meaning of "resembling" or "similar to".