bruised by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bruised by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence when you want to describe someone or something that has been hurt emotionally or physically. For example: "She was deeply emotionally bruised by the betrayal of her best friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Ben Elton was really bruised by the reception.

Independent

He's obviously bruised by the fallout.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Worsthorne was also bruised by the experience.

The Guardian

And in autumn it's muddy, bruised by the weather.

The New York Times - Travel

She was cut and bruised by the attack.

The New York Times

Both say they feel bruised by the attention.

The Guardian

The city had been badly bruised by the closure of the coal mines and steel works.

Independent

Eventually, some whose confidence has been bruised by recession decide not to buy in at all.

The Economist

Though relatively rich, Japanese consumers have recently become stingier, bruised by a long-stagnant domestic economy.

The New York Times

ICI egos had been bruised by this unprecedented appointment of an outsider.

The Economist

But there is far more bruised by all this than the body of one single woman.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bruised by" to describe the emotional or psychological impact of negative experiences, especially when the impact is not necessarily permanent but leaves a mark.

Common error

Avoid using "bruised by" too frequently in a metaphorical sense. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms or more specific language to convey the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bruised by" functions as a passive adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe the state of being emotionally or physically hurt or damaged by something. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bruised by" is a versatile phrase used to describe the impact, often negative, that something has on an entity, whether emotionally, psychologically, or physically. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, this phrase conveys a sense of vulnerability or resilience. While synonyms like ""harmed by"" and ""affected by"" exist, "bruised by" offers a nuanced expression of impact. When writing, be mindful of overuse and consider the specific context to ensure its appropriate and impactful use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

battered by

Conveys a sense of repeated or intense negative impact.

wounded by

Suggests a deeper, often emotional, injury.

harmed by

Implies damage or injury, but may not necessarily carry the emotional weight of "bruised".

scarred by

Indicates a lasting negative impact or trauma.

affected adversely by

Specifically indicates a negative impact or consequence.

affected by

This is a more general term indicating influence, without necessarily implying damage.

traumatized by

Implies a severe and lasting psychological impact.

injured by

Focuses on the damage caused to someone or something.

damaged by

Focuses on the damage or deterioration caused.

impacted by

A more neutral term indicating influence, not necessarily negative.

FAQs

How can I use "bruised by" in a sentence?

You can use "bruised by" to describe someone or something that has been emotionally or physically hurt. For example, "The city was "battered by" the economic downturn" or "She was deeply "affected by" the criticism."

What's the difference between "bruised by" and "battered by"?

"Bruised by" suggests a more emotional or psychological impact, while ""battered by"" implies a more forceful and repeated impact, whether physical or metaphorical. For example, after repeated failures, one could be "battered by" disillusionment.

What are some synonyms for "bruised by"?

Synonyms for "bruised by" include "harmed by", "affected by", "wounded by", or "scarred by", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "bruised by" to describe a physical injury?

While primarily used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological impact, "bruised by" can also be used to describe a minor physical injury, although it's less common than describing the emotional impact. For example, "His finger was "injured by" a line drive."