n. & adj.
--n.
1. a the capacity to feel; a sense of touch (lost all feeling in his arm). b a physical sensation.
2 a (often foll. by of) a particular emotional reaction (a feeling of despair). b (in pl.) emotional susceptibilities or sympathies (hurt my feelings; had strong feelings about it).
3 a particular sensitivity (had a feeling for literature).
4 a an opinion or notion, esp. a vague or irrational one (my feelings on the subject; had a feeling she would be there). b vague awareness (had a feeling of safety). c sentiment (the general feeling was against it).
5 readiness to feel sympathy or compassion.
6 a the general emotional response produced by a work of art, piece of music, etc. b emotional commitment or sensibility in artistic execution (played with feeling).
--adj.
1. sensitive, sympathetic.
2 showing emotion or sensitivity.
Derivatives:
feelingless adj. feelingly adv.