describe a feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "describe a feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to articulate or explain an emotional experience or state. Example: "Can you describe a feeling you had during that moment?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

is often used to describe a feeling, as in ('I feel X', as in terms of thinking but with less cognitive reasoning), and (feeling/sensation); it is used to mean energy or force, as in (electricity) and (magnetism); it can also refer to qualities or aspects of people or things, as in (spirit/trait/temperament).

Wikipedia

All describe a feeling of despair..

The Washington Post

But in the countryside, farmers describe a feeling of stagnancy.

The New York Times

This is history!" Asked to characterise his emotions, Loffredo replied: "It's hard to describe a feeling.

The Guardian

Both describe a feeling of pushing a very big rock up a very steep hill, with the summit nowhere in sight.

The New York Times - Magazine

ALITTLE less than 24 hours after winning her fifth and final Olympic medal, Marion Jones was still searching for the word to describe a feeling of emptiness.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

So that's FOMO – fear of missing out – which describes a feeling you might have when you feel other people are doing something fun, when you are not.

BBC

Describing a smell is like describing a feeling or a mood or an atmosphere.

The New York Times

"Everybody is starting to come together," said Dr. Clinton, describing a feeling of momentum among counselors.

The New York Times

Others said the same thing in private, describing a feeling of frustration with her tough, uncompromising leadership style.

The Washington Post

The warden and the paramedic described a feeling of extra stress and urgency owing to this scheduling.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "describe a feeling", be specific and use vivid language to help your audience understand the emotion you're conveying.

Common error

Avoid using overly general terms when you "describe a feeling". Instead of saying "I felt bad", try to pinpoint the specific emotion, such as "I felt disappointed" or "I felt anxious".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "describe a feeling" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of articulating or expressing an emotion. It is often used in contexts where one is prompted to explain an internal state, as seen in Ludwig's examples where individuals are asked to characterize their emotions or when patients describe sensations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "describe a feeling" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted expression used to prompt or provide an explanation of an emotional state. According to Ludwig, it appears across various contexts such as news, science, and wiki sources, maintaining a neutral register. While there are no critical errors associated with its use, being specific and avoiding vague language enhances clarity. Alternative phrases like "express an emotion" or "articulate a sentiment" can be used for variety. To enhance writing, incorporate vivid language and sensory details when you "describe a feeling".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

express an emotion

Focuses on the outward manifestation of an internal state.

articulate a sentiment

Emphasizes the clear and effective communication of a feeling.

convey a sensation

Highlights the communication of a physical feeling or perception.

capture an emotion in words

Stresses the difficulty and skill involved in expressing feelings through language.

put a feeling into words

A common way to express the act of verbalizing an emotion.

verbalize a feeling

A more formal way of saying 'put a feeling into words'.

elucidate an emotion

Focuses on making an emotion clear and understandable.

illustrate a sentiment

Implies using examples or stories to make a feeling understandable.

depict an emotion

Suggests a more artistic or creative representation of a feeling.

portray a feeling

Similar to 'depict an emotion', but emphasizes accuracy and detail.

FAQs

How can I "describe a feeling" effectively in writing?

Use sensory details, metaphors, and similes to paint a vivid picture of the emotion. Show, don't just tell. Consider what physical sensations accompany the feeling and incorporate those into your description.

What are some synonyms for "describe a feeling"?

You can use alternatives like "express an emotion", "articulate a sentiment", or "convey a sensation".

Is it better to "describe a feeling" directly or indirectly?

It depends on the context. Direct descriptions are clear and straightforward, while indirect descriptions (through actions, dialogue, or imagery) can be more evocative and engaging. Experiment with both approaches to see what works best.

How can I avoid clichés when I "describe a feeling"?

Focus on the unique aspects of your experience. Think about what makes this particular emotion distinct for you. Use original language and avoid overused phrases.