catching-feelings
/ˈkætʃ.ɪŋ ˈfiːl.ɪŋz/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
To start feeling romantic attraction or emotional attachment to someone. It usually means the feelings are becoming stronger and may not be fully controlled.
- I think I'm catching feelings for my coworker.
- She said she was catching feelings too soon.
- Don't catch feelings if you only want a casual chat.
Adinary Nuance
Catching feelings is more specific than liking someone. It usually suggests the attraction is growing and may become emotional or romantic. It is also more casual and modern than falling in love, which sounds stronger and deeper. People often use it when they want to say, “I’m getting attached.”
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- có tình cảm
- Spanish
- enamorarse
- Chinese
- 动心
- Japanese
- 好意を持つ
- Korean
- 호감이 생기다
Etymology
This modern phrase comes from the everyday verb phrase “catch feelings,” especially in informal speech and online writing. It became common in the 2000s and is now widely used in dating talk.
Common phrases
catch feelingsstart catching feelingscatch feelings for someonecatching feelings fast
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is catching feelings formal or informal?
- It is informal. People use it in speech, texts, and social media.
- Is catching feelings the same as liking someone?
- Not exactly. It usually means the liking is becoming more emotional or romantic.
- Can I use catching feelings in business writing?
- No. It is too informal for business or academic writing.