Many people confuse “feal” and “feel” because they sound identical. However, “feel” is the correct spelling in modern English, while “feal” is an obsolete term. Understanding their meanings helps avoid spelling mistakes and improves writing accuracy.

Choosing between feal and feel can be confusing. Both words sound identical, but they have different meanings and usage. “Feel” is a widely used word, while “feal” is rare and outdated. This article explains their differences, proper usage, and historical background.

Feal vs Feel: Quick Comparison Chart

Feature	Feal	Feel
Part of Speech	Adjective, verb (archaic)	Verb, noun
Meaning	Loyal, faithful (adjective); press on, hide (verb)	To touch, experience emotion, form an opinion
Modern Usage	Rare, outdated	Common in daily English
Pronunciation	/fiːl/	/fiːl/
Example	“He was a feal friend.”	“I feel happy today.”

What Does “Feel” Mean? (Definition & Usage)

Feel as a Verb

The word “feel” describes sensing something physically or emotionally. It is an essential English verb with multiple meanings. It can describe touching or experiencing something through physical contact. It also refers to emotions, like happiness or sadness.

People use “feel” to express opinions or beliefs about a situation. It can also indicate an intuitive sense without direct proof. Additionally, it describes moving or searching by touch in the absence of sight.

Feel as a Noun

“Feel” is also a noun, referring to a particular sensation or intuition. It can describe the texture of an object when touched. It is used to convey the emotional atmosphere of a place or event. Additionally, it can indicate a natural skill or ability in a particular field.

What Does “Feal” Mean? (Definition & Usage)

The word “feal” is an archaic term rarely used in modern language. It was commonly used in Middle English and Old French. As an adjective, it meant faithful, loyal, or trustworthy. It also had verb meanings that are now obsolete.

Feal as an Adjective

Historically, “feal” described someone as devoted or trustworthy. It appeared in texts discussing honor, duty, and allegiance. Knights and servants were often referred to as “feal” to their lords.

Today, this word has been completely replaced by “faithful” and “loyal.” Modern writers do not use “feal” because it is outdated. It is now found only in historical texts and poetry.

Feal as a Verb (Obsolete Meaning)

Some old English texts used “feal” as a verb meaning to advance or to hide. However, this usage disappeared centuries ago. If seen in literature, it usually appears in medieval or Shakespearean writings.

Key Differences Between Feal and Feel

Spelling and Pronunciation

Although “feal” and “feel” sound the same, they are spelled differently. “Feal” is an obsolete spelling not found in modern dictionaries. “Feel” is the correct spelling used in daily communication.

Meaning and Usage

• Feel is a common verb and noun, used in everyday conversation.
• Feal is a historical word that no longer appears in modern writing.

Popularity and Recognition

“Feel” is found in all modern dictionaries and textbooks. “Feal” is unrecognized in modern English. Its meaning is now covered by words like “loyal” and “faithful.”

When to Use Feel Instead of Feal?

Always use “feel” in daily writing and speech. “Feal” is outdated and has no place in modern grammar. If encountered in older texts, it can be replaced with “loyal” or “faithful.”

Writers and editors should avoid “feal” unless quoting historical documents. If confused, checking a dictionary can confirm the correct spelling and meaning.

Common Mistakes & Misconceptions About Feal vs Feel

• Mistake: “I feal happy today.” (Incorrect)
  Correction: “I feel happy today.” (Correct)
• Mistake: “She has a feal for painting.” (Incorrect)
  Correction: “She has a feel for painting.” (Correct)
• Mistake: “He remained feal to his team.” (Incorrect)
  Correction: “He remained loyal to his team.” (Correct)

Feal vs Feel in Literature and History

“Feal” appeared in medieval English and early literature. It was commonly found in texts discussing loyalty and duty. Historical records describe knights, warriors, and subjects as “feal and true.”

However, “feel” has remained in continuous use for centuries. It appears in classic and modern literature. Writers use it to describe emotions, sensations, and intuition. Today, “feal” is considered outdated and is rarely seen outside historical contexts.

Examples of Feal vs Feel in Sentences

Incorrect Use of Feal

• “I feal cold in winter.”
• “You should feal the fabric before buying.”

Correct Use of Feel

• “I feel cold in winter.”
• “You should feel the fabric before buying.”

Historical Use of Feal

• “A feal knight serves his lord with honor.”

Final Thoughts: Feal vs Feel – Which One Should You Use?

The word “feel” is the correct choice in modern English. It is used to describe touch, emotions, and opinions. “Feal” is an outdated term, no longer in use today.

If “feal” appears in historical documents, it should be replaced with “loyal” or “faithful.” Always use “feel” for proper grammar and readability. Choosing “feel” ensures clear, correct, and natural language.

FAQs

Is “feal” a real word?

Yes, but it is archaic and rarely used today.

Why do people confuse feal vs feel?

Both words sound the same, but “feal” is outdated while “feel” is commonly used.

Can I use feal instead of feel?

No, always use “feel” in modern writing.

Is “feal” in the dictionary?

Most modern dictionaries do not include “feal” because it is obsolete.

Does “feal” have a modern replacement?

Yes, use “loyal,” “faithful,” or “true” instead of “feal.”

Conclusion

Choosing between “feal” and “feel” is simple once you know their meanings. “Feel” is the correct and commonly used word, referring to touch, emotions, or sensations. On the other hand, “feal” is an outdated term meaning loyal or faithful, rarely used in modern English.

Understanding this difference prevents spelling errors and ensures clarity in writing. Always use “feel” in daily communication, as “feal” no longer holds relevance. Mastering such distinctions improves language skills and enhances overall writing accuracy.