absence of fear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absence of fear" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state or condition where fear is not present, often in discussions about courage or bravery. Example: "In the face of danger, her absence of fear inspired those around her to act bravely."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Maybe happiness was the absence of fear.

The New York Times - Books

Courage doesn't imply absence of fear.

Harvard Business Review

Balance that challenge with an absence of fear.

Harvard Business Review

"The absence of fear and doubt and insecurity is profound.

The Economist

(The medical term for it is "disinhibition," which in English means the absence of fear).

The New Yorker

Courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to face it.

The New York Times - Arts

For entrepreneurs, courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to persist in spite of it.

Harvard Business Review

He sees it in the stubborn way she holds her body, the blank look, the total absence of fear.

The New Yorker

They say they are never scared on the water, but an absence of fear does not eliminate danger.

The New York Times

It's a blasted society where happiness can best be expressed as "an absence — of fear, of pain, of grief".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Just as courage is not the absence of fear but the strength to overcome it, the resolution of a military family is not the absence of emotion.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absence of fear" when you want to emphasize not just the lack of fear, but also its potential implications or effects on behavior and decision-making.

Common error

Avoid using "absence of fear" to justify rash or irresponsible actions. While fearlessness can be positive, it should not come at the expense of prudence or awareness of potential consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absence of fear" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It often serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a state or condition. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absence of fear" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a state where fear is not present. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and is frequently found in diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business writing. While often used to describe courage or bravery, it's important not to equate it with recklessness. Alternative expressions such as "fearlessness" or "intrepidity" can be used to add nuance depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fearlessness

Direct synonym emphasizing a state of not being afraid.

lack of fear

Simple and direct alternative using 'lack' to indicate the absence.

intrepidity

Focuses on bravery and a bold approach in the face of danger.

courage

Highlights the ability to act despite feeling fear, rather than lacking it entirely.

boldness

Implies a confident and daring attitude.

audacity

Suggests a willingness to take risks, sometimes implying excessive confidence.

composure

Focuses on maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor, especially in stressful situations.

assurance

Highlights a state of confidence and certainty, minimizing worry.

equilibrium

Emphasizes mental and emotional balance where fear does not disrupt the state.

aplomb

Refers to self-confidence, especially in a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I use "absence of fear" in a sentence?

You can use "absence of fear" to describe a state of mind or a characteristic. For example: "Her "lack of fear" was remarkable in such a dangerous situation."

What's a synonym for "absence of fear"?

Synonyms include "fearlessness", "intrepidity", or "boldness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an absence of fear" or "the absence of fear"?

Both are grammatically correct. "An absence of fear" is used when referring to a general instance. "The absence of fear" is used when referring to a specific instance or a known absence of fear.

How does "absence of fear" differ from "courage"?

"Absence of fear" implies not feeling fear, while "courage" implies acting despite feeling fear. The former suggests a natural disposition, the latter a deliberate act.