feel out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive): To cautiously and subtly try to learn someone's opinions, intentions, or feelings about a particular subject, often before stating one's own position or making a proposal.
Usage
- The verb "feel out" is used to describe a careful, indirect approach to gathering information.
- It is typically followed by a direct object (a person or group) and often includes the topic being explored (e.g., "feel someone out about something").
- It implies a tentative, non-confrontational method of inquiry.
Examples
- Verb:
- Before presenting the new policy, the manager decided to feel out the team.
- I'll feel her out about the idea of a joint project before we commit.
- The diplomat's first task was to feel out the other side's position on the key issues.
Advanced Usage
- "to feel out the situation/landscape": To cautiously assess the general circumstances or mood before acting.
- He spent the first week just feeling out the situation at his new job.
Variants and Related Words
- Sound out (verb): A direct synonym for "feel out," meaning to try to discover someone's views or intentions discreetly.
Synonyms
- Probe
- Test the waters
- Gauge
- Explore
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Feel around for (something): To search for something indirectly or cautiously.
- He was feeling around for a better excuse. (Note: This is related but distinct, focusing on searching for a thing or idea rather than assessing a person's views.)
Verb
- try to learn someone's opinions and intentions
- I have to sound out the new professor