betrayed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "betrayed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing feelings of being deceived or let down by someone you trusted. Example: "She felt betrayed when she discovered that her best friend had shared her secrets with others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He believes Miliband betrayed him in the days between talks on last summer's vote over intervention in Syria and the debate in parliament that saw the government defeated.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't feel betrayed [by Liverpool] but the club promised me something a year ago just as I promised them that I would stay and try everything possible to get us into the Champions League.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather than serving either commercial considerations or following the whims of musicians, the work he accomplished as a sleeve designer betrayed a fierce independence, and an obvious belief in art for art's sake.

The Guardian - Music

Hannibal decides to spare his life, possibly because he desires connection with someone again, like he had with Will before he betrayed him.

The Guardian

It was strangely exhilarating to see Ed Miliband with at least three parties politically to his left, the Scottish and Welsh Nationalists and the Greens, with even Nick Clegg somewhat shamelessly rediscovering the leftish Lib Dem principles he largely betrayed for his five years in office with the Tories.

The Guardian

The accusations against Jaruzelski remain that he betrayed Poland and was acting at Moscow's bidding when he declared martial law to crush the Solidarity movement, and that he turned to reform only because circumstances in the communist camp forced him to change course.

The Guardian

She meant that she had been betrayed by the killers then on the run, taking hostages, taunting police and convulsing the whole French nation.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite occasionally acknowledging that some academics might be women, his comments betrayed his assumption that academics are male, for apparently their default uniform comprises trousers, a jacket, a shirt and a tie.

The Guardian

The uncertainty in their voices betrayed their serious intent, and neither solution seemed satisfactory.

The Guardian

The Slovaks feel betrayed by what has happened to their money, like the many Germans who are bristling with indignation in part because they were never keen on the currency in the first place.

The Guardian - Business

Most Tunisians, not just the Salafists, now feel twice betrayed by France, the country that has dominated and shaped Tunisia's political and cultural identity for more than a century.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "betrayed", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. It implies a violation of trust, so ensure that the context aligns with this meaning. Think about the relationship between the parties involved and the specific actions that constitute the betrayal.

Common error

Avoid using "betrayed" in situations where simple disappointment or disagreement would be more appropriate. The term carries a strong emotional weight and should be reserved for genuine breaches of trust.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "betrayed" is as a past participle of the verb 'betray'. It's used to describe an action where someone violates the trust or loyalty of another. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies a feeling of deception and being let down.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "betrayed" is a common and versatile term, primarily functioning as the past participle of the verb 'betray'. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It expresses a violation of trust, disloyalty, and disillusionment, often in the context of News & Media. While carrying a strong emotional weight, its neutral register makes it suitable for various forms of communication. Related phrases include "been double-crossed" and "been stabbed in the back", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using "betrayed", ensure it accurately reflects a breach of trust, avoiding overuse in situations of simple disappointment. In summary, "betrayed" is a powerful word that is a key part of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

been stabbed in the back

Implies a treacherous act by someone trusted, often causing emotional pain or damage.

been sold out

Suggests being sacrificed or abandoned for personal gain, often in a political or competitive context.

been double-crossed

This suggests a deliberate act of deception, often implying a prior agreement or understanding.

been two-timed

Suggests a romantic partner has been cheating on the speaker.

been deceived

Focuses on the act of being misled or tricked, often involving false information.

been disloyal to

Indicates a breach of allegiance or faithfulness, often involving a violation of trust or commitment.

been let down

Indicates a failure to meet expectations or provide support, often resulting in disappointment.

been unfaithful to

Focuses on the violation of a marital or romantic commitment, often involving adultery or infidelity.

been abandoned

Highlights the feeling of being deserted or forsaken, often implying a loss of support or care.

been forsaken

Implies a complete abandonment, often with a sense of moral or spiritual rejection.

FAQs

How to use "betrayed" in a sentence?

You can use "betrayed" to describe the feeling of being deceived or let down by someone you trusted. For example, "She felt betrayed when her friend revealed her secret."

What can I say instead of "betrayed"?

You can use alternatives like "deceived", "let down", or "double-crossed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "betrayed" or "felt betrayed"?

"Betrayed" is the past tense of the verb betray. "Felt betrayed" is a phrase indicating the feeling of betrayal. Both are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the intended meaning. For example, "He betrayed his friend" versus "He felt betrayed by his friend".

What's the difference between "betrayed" and "deceived"?

"Betrayed" implies a violation of trust, while "deceived" simply means being misled or tricked. Betrayal often involves a prior relationship or expectation of loyalty.