Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. It became the recipient of two Grammy Awards for Best R&B Song (with Prince as its songwriter) and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for Khan. feeling sympathy for somebody not really knowing what they are going through Not to be confused with "I feel you." feel for someone phrase. The most successful and best-known version was recorded by R&B singer Chaka Khan and appeared on her 1984 album I Feel for You. Definition of feel for someone in the Idioms Dictionary. 2. feel for someone.Sympathize with or feel sorry for someone, as in Tom was so upset that I felt for him.This usage was put as feel with by Shakespeare: "It resounds as if it felt with Scotland" ( Macbeth, 4:3).Both senses of feel for are present in the somewhat sarcastic I feel for you but I can't quite reach you, meaning "Too bad, but I don't really feel sorry for you." What does feel for someone expression mean?