feeler
C1/C2Semi-formal to formal; technical in zoological contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A slender, flexible organ or part on an animal (like an insect or crustacean) used for touching or sensing the environment.
A remark, suggestion, or action made cautiously to gauge someone's reaction or opinion before proceeding further.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core meaning is zoological. The extended, metaphorical meaning relates to cautious, exploratory communication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British English in political/journalistic contexts (e.g., 'putting out feelers').
Connotations
Neutral in both. The metaphorical use often implies discretion and strategic testing.
Frequency
Low frequency in general use. More frequent in specific domains: biology, diplomacy, business negotiation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
put out a feeler to [someone]send out feelers about [something]use its feelers to [verb]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Put out feelers”
- “Send out feelers”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used when discreetly testing the market or a potential partner's interest.
Academic
Primarily in biology/zoology texts describing invertebrates.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used metaphorically in discussions about relationships or job searches.
Technical
Standard term in entomology for sensory appendages like insect antennae.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The beetle waved its feelers cautiously.
- The minister put out a diplomatic feeler through an informal channel.
American English
- The lobster's feelers detected movement in the murky water.
- Our company sent out feelers to gauge interest in a merger.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The ant has two long feelers on its head.
- He used his friend to put out a feeler about the possible job vacancy.
- Before announcing the policy, the government discreetly sent out feelers to the press.
- The negotiator's initial suggestion was merely a feeler to assess the other side's flexibility on the core issue.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cat's WHISKERS – they are 'feelers' it uses to sense space. A diplomat's cautious question is a 'feeler' to sense opinions.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING/EXPLORING IS TOUCHING (e.g., 'feel out the situation').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводить как "чувство" (feeling/emotion). Правильно: "щупальце", "антенна" (биол.) или "пробный шар", "осторожный зонд" (метаф.).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'feeler' to mean a person who feels emotions strongly. *'He's a real feeler.' (Incorrect).
- Confusing 'feeler' with 'finger'.
- Misspelling as 'fealer'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'feeler' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It refers to an animal's sensory organ or a metaphorical exploratory action/remark. It is not a synonym for an 'emotional person'.
It is a low-frequency word. You will encounter it in specific contexts like biology, diplomacy, and strategic business/politics.
They are close synonyms in the metaphorical sense. A 'trial balloon' is often a specific, concrete proposal floated to test reaction, while a 'feeler' can be vaguer, like a general question or indirect contact.
No. The related verb phrase is 'to feel out' (e.g., 'Let's feel out their position'). 'Feeler' is only a noun.
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