contradictory feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contradictory feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an emotional state where two opposing feelings coexist simultaneously. Example: "She experienced a contradictory feeling of joy and sadness at the same time during the farewell party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But Mendes's production and Russell Beale's performance sharpen our understanding of Shakespeare's analysis of human folly and the primacy of contradictory feeling over calm rationality.

The Guardian

I cannot rid myself of the contradictory feeling that somehow I'm letting Russell down by breakfasting with the men who are about to hang him.

The Guardian

This may have to do with the frank intimacy of her tone, which is stripped of ornament and fuss, yet also, in its plainness, contains huge amounts of terrible, sublime, and contradictory feeling.

The New Yorker

We'll do without!… How easy it was for us to declare ourselves "liberated," how chastening to experience the force of contradictory feeling that undermined these defiant simplicities.… Nearly every one of us became a walking embodiment of the gap between theory and practice: the place in which we were to find ourselves time and again.

The New Yorker

We'll do without!... How easy it was for us to declare ourselves "liberated," how chastening to experience the force of contradictory feeling that undermined these defiant simplicities.… Nearly every one of us became a walking embodiment of the gap between theory and practice: the place in which we were to find ourselves time and again.

The New Yorker

He may or may not spell it out, but there is an underlying sense from this White House, as much as the last, of that contradictory feeling that American exceptionalism is a worldwide export.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Writer had contradictory feelings for her husband.

The New Yorker

I have contradictory feelings about it.

The Guardian

These contradictory feelings focus on two things.The first is equality.

The Economist

Football highlights the contradictory feelings in the UK.

The Guardian

"The Lifestyle" leaves you with strong contradictory feelings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contradictory feeling", ensure the context clearly illustrates the opposing emotions involved to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "contradictory feeling" as a catch-all phrase for any complex emotional state; instead, specify the distinct feelings and their interplay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contradictory feeling" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "contradictory" modifies the noun "feeling". It describes a specific type of emotional state characterized by opposing or conflicting sentiments. As Ludwig examples show, it appears mostly in News and Media and Academia.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contradictory feeling" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase describing the simultaneous experience of opposing emotions. While not overly common, according to Ludwig, it finds use in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. It's crucial to employ the phrase with precision, ensuring that the described feelings are genuinely opposing to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "mixed emotions" and "conflicting feelings", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is valid and helpful for expressing emotional complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conflicting emotions

Focuses on the clash between different emotions within an individual.

mixed emotions

Highlights the blend of different emotions experienced simultaneously.

ambivalent sentiment

Emphasizes the presence of opposing sentiments creating ambivalence.

opposing feelings

Directly points out the presence of feelings that are opposite to each other.

dichotomous emotions

Emphasizes the division of emotions into two opposing categories.

paradoxical emotion

Highlights the self-contradictory nature of the emotion experienced.

contrasting feelings

Underscores the differences between the coexisting feelings.

discordant emotions

Suggests a lack of harmony or agreement between the emotions.

unresolved emotions

Focuses on the lack of resolution and the tension caused by the coexisting feelings.

complex emotions

Acknowledges the intricate and multifaceted nature of the emotional state.

FAQs

How can I use "contradictory feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "contradictory feeling" to describe a state where someone experiences two opposing emotions simultaneously. For example: "She felt a "contradictory feeling" of excitement and anxiety before her performance."

What are some alternatives to "contradictory feeling"?

Alternatives include "mixed emotions", "conflicting feelings", or "ambivalent sentiment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "contradictory feeling"?

Yes, "contradictory feeling" is grammatically correct. The adjective "contradictory" appropriately modifies the noun "feeling".

What's the difference between "contradictory feeling" and "conflicting feeling"?

While similar, "contradictory feeling" emphasizes the opposition between the feelings, while "conflicting feeling" highlights the struggle or tension arising from those opposing emotions.