Phrase guide

feel out

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To attempt to ascertain a person's point of view, or the nature of a situation, by cautious and subtle means.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • I think we should feel out your mom's thoughts about this before we decide anything.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

try to learn someone's opinions and intentions

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • I have to sound out the new professor

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: check out, sound out

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: question, query

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Icelandic: fara á fjörurnar við — to try to ascertain a point of view or the nature of something
  • Icelandic: leita hófanna hjá — to try to ascertain a point of view or the nature of something
  • Spanish: tantear — to try to ascertain a point of view or the nature of something
  • Spanish: semblantear — to try to ascertain a point of view or the nature of something