Definition

1. 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

1. try to learn someone's opinions and intentions
   • I have to sound out the new professor