feat
B2Formal/Informal (more common in formal contexts and journalism)
Definition
Meaning
An achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength; a remarkable act or deed.
Used to describe any impressive accomplishment, especially one that seems difficult or extraordinary. Often applied in various fields like sports, art, technology, or intellectual pursuits.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Carries a strong positive connotation of admiration. It often implies overcoming a challenge or difficulty. Not used to describe routine tasks.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Both varieties share the same positive connotations of admiration for a difficult achievement.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written and journalistic contexts than in casual speech in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
perform a feat of [strength/courage/ingenuity]accomplish the feat of [verb+ing]It was no mean feat to [verb].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “no mean feat”
- “a feat of strength/endurance”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Describing a significant corporate milestone, e.g., 'The merger was a logistical feat.'
Academic
Describing a major scientific discovery or intellectual breakthrough, e.g., 'The decoding of the genome was a monumental feat.'
Everyday
Used to praise someone's impressive personal achievement, e.g., 'Getting all the kids ready on time is a feat in itself!'
Technical
Describing a complex engineering or programming accomplishment, e.g., 'Landing the rover on Mars was an incredible technical feat.'
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Climbing that big tree was a great feat for the little boy.
- Learning a new language is a difficult feat.
- The engineer's latest invention is a remarkable feat of modern technology.
- Negotiating the peace treaty under such pressure was a diplomatic feat of the highest order.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an athlete's FEET running to accomplish a great FEAT.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS A PHYSICAL CONQUEST (e.g., 'pulling off' a feat).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как «подвиг» для каждого достижения. «Подвиг» сильнее и часто подразумевает героизм или жертву. «Feat» шире. Например, technical feat — техническое достижение, а не подвиг.
- Не путайте с похожим по звучанию прилагательным 'feat.' (featured) в музыке (e.g., 'song feat. artist').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'feat' to describe a simple, everyday task (e.g., 'I made breakfast, it was a feat.' – Incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'feet'.
- Using it as a verb (it is a noun).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'feat' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost exclusively positive, expressing admiration for a difficult achievement.
No, 'feat' is a noun. The similar-sounding 'feature' (abbreviated 'feat.' in music credits) is a different word.
It means 'a significant or difficult achievement'. For example, 'Getting a promotion in this company is no mean feat.'
'Feat' implies a sense of difficulty, daring, or extraordinary skill, often involving a single act. 'Achievement' is broader and can refer to the successful result of any effort, long or short.
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