catch-feelings
/ˈkætʃ ˌfiː.lɪŋz/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To start liking someone in a romantic way, usually after spending time with them. It often suggests the feelings were not planned.
- I think she caught feelings for her coworker.
- He caught feelings after their late-night talks.
- Don't catch feelings if you want to stay casual.
Adinary Nuance
Catch feelings is more casual and emotional than words like "like" or "fall for." It often suggests the feeling grew unexpectedly, not through careful choice. It is less formal than "develop feelings for someone," which fits writing and polite speech better.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- có tình cảm
- Spanish
- enamorarse
- Chinese
- 动心
- Japanese
- 恋に落ちる
- Korean
- 호감이 생기다
Etymology
Catch-feelings is a modern slang phrase built from the common verb "catch" and the noun "feelings." It became popular in social media and everyday spoken English in the 2000s and 2010s.
Common phrases
catch feelings for someonecatch feelings faststart catching feelingscatch too many feelings
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is catch feelings formal or informal?
- It is informal. Use it in conversation, texts, or social media, not in formal writing.
- Is catch feelings the same as like?
- Not exactly. It usually means stronger romantic interest than simple liking.
- What is the difference between catch feelings and fall for?
- Both can mean developing romantic feelings. Catch feelings is more casual and often used in spoken English.
- Can I use catch feelings in IELTS writing?
- Usually no. In IELTS writing, "develop feelings for" is better and more formal.