'Feet' vs 'Feat': What's the Difference?

By Shanea Patterson, updated on February 18, 2023

While learning the language, you might have come across the words ‘feet’ and ‘feat.’ They sound the same, but they mean different things. So, what’s the difference between them? We’ll go over that in this article, plus teach you how to use both words correctly in a sentence.

The quick answer is that:

  • ‘Feet’ are part of your body below the ankle. The word is a noun.
  • ‘Feat’ is a noun and means a notable achievement.

As you can see, these words might sound the same, but they mean two completely different things. Therefore, avoid using them interchangeably.

‘Feat’ or ‘Feet’ – Which to Use? 

Wondering which word to use?

If you’re talking about a part of your body, use ‘feet.’

  • For example, “My feet hurt in these heels. I’m going to take them off now.”

However, if you’re talking about a notable accomplishment, use ‘feat.’

  • For example, “Getting my doctorate degree was quite the feat, and I’m proud of myself for graduating.”

Word Choice – ‘Feet’ vs. ‘Feat’ 

The words ‘feet’ and ‘feat’ sound the same but mean different things, making them homophones.

You already know that ‘feet’ refers to the part of your body below your ankles. You know, where all your toes are.

But it can also refer to a unit of measurement.

  • For example, “That building is over 100 feet tall.”

The other ‘feat’ means something notable.

Definition and Meaning of ‘Feet’ and ‘Feat’

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of ‘feet’ is the plural of foot. The meaning of ‘foot’ is the terminal part of the vertebrate leg upon which a person stands.

It also means various units of length based on the length of the human foot or the lowest part – the bottom.

People might use it to refer to dancing or kicking.

The same dictionary defines ‘feat’ as a notable deed, especially for courage. But it can also mean an act or product of skill, endurance, or ingenuity.

It could also mean becoming smart.

Pronunciation: How to Pronounce ‘Feet’ and ‘Feat’ 

Not quite sure how to pronounce these words? Here’s a short guide.

  • To pronounce both words, use the phonetic spelling: FEET

How to Use ‘Feet’ and ‘Feet’ in a Sentence

Let’s take a look at how to use both words in a sentence, starting with ‘feet.’

  • I don’t want to get my feet wet. I’ll just sit back from the shore.
  • My feet hurt from walking so much. They’re quite sore, so I must sit down for a minute.
  • My son’s feet seem to be growing every second of the day. I’m buying shoes every other month, it seems.
  • My feet are swollen, and I can’t fit them into my favorite shoes anymore. I hate being pregnant.

Now let’s see some examples of ‘feat’ in a sentence.

  • Graduating with a 4.0 GPA and as part of the National Honor Society was a pretty big feat.
  • My date acted like picking up the check was such a feat. That’s the last date I’m going on with him.
  • Climbing Mount Everest and making it to the top was quite the feat.
  • I read 600 books last year, which people tell me is quite a feat.

Final Thoughts on ‘Feet’ and ‘Feat’

To recap, we learned that:

  • The word ‘feet’ is a noun and refers to the part of your body below the ankle.
  • The word ‘Feat’ is a noun, and it refers to a notable achievement.

Remember, these words sound the same, but they mean two totally different things, making them homophones. Therefore, you should avoid using them interchangeably.

If you ever get stuck on anything, you can always pop back over for a quick refresher. We’ve got a ton of other content on confusing words and phrases you might see while learning the English language. Go check it out.

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Written By:
Shanea Patterson
Shanea Patterson is a writer based in New York and loves writing for brands big and small. She has a master's degree in professional writing from New York University and a bachelor's degree in English from Mercy College.

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