deeply wounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deeply wounded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is emotionally hurt or affected by a situation or event. Example: "After the harsh criticism from her peers, she felt deeply wounded and struggled to regain her confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Am deeply wounded.

The New York Times

But the American church remains deeply wounded.

The New York Times

Judge Blackmun removed it, but he was deeply wounded.

The New York Times

He was deeply wounded, he said, by a reviewer who referred to Hector as a paedophile.

Independent

Better at giving than at taking, he was deeply wounded, and indeed he never fully recovered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Like many seemingly imperious men, Bogdanovich is easily and deeply wounded.

The New Yorker

Like David Clohessy, they'd been deeply wounded, and were in pain.

The New York Times

"It was a seminal contribution to a society that was deeply wounded and divided".

The New York Times - Health

(Black, who was deeply wounded, subsequently announced his resignation. He still calls Dimon "a terrific leader").

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps he was more deeply wounded by his loss than he realised.

The Guardian - Books

Warsi is deeply wounded and shaken by the events of the past year.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deeply wounded", consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey. It's suitable for situations involving significant emotional or psychological distress, not for minor disappointments.

Common error

Avoid using "deeply wounded" for minor setbacks or inconveniences. Overusing the phrase dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic. Instead, opt for milder terms like "disappointed" or "slightly bothered" in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deeply wounded" primarily functions as a compound adjective, where "deeply" modifies the adjective "wounded". This intensifies the meaning of "wounded", indicating a profound level of emotional or psychological damage. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deeply wounded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a significant degree of emotional or psychological distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and appropriate for use in a variety of writing contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedic entries, and scientific analyses. While versatile, its intensity should be considered to avoid overuse in trivial situations. Alternative phrases like "profoundly hurt" or "emotionally scarred" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis. The phrase's prevalence in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its widespread acceptance and effectiveness in expressing profound emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profoundly hurt

Emphasizes the depth of the emotional pain experienced.

wounded to the core

Stresses that the damage is at the center of person's being.

severely affected

Focuses on the impact of an event or situation on someone's well-being.

bitterly disappointed

Highlights the feeling of sadness and disillusionment.

badly shaken

Implies emotional instability and distress.

emotionally scarred

Implies long-lasting psychological damage.

deeply scarred

Similar to emotionally scarred, but can also refer to physical scars with emotional impact.

shattered by

Stresses the devastating emotional impact and a feeling of ruin.

gravely injured

Shifts the focus to a more serious, potentially life-threatening injury.

suffer a great deal

Highlights the experience of enduring significant pain or hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "deeply wounded" in a sentence?

You can use "deeply wounded" to describe a person, group, or even a country that has suffered a significant emotional or psychological blow. For example, "The community was deeply wounded by the tragic event."

What are some alternatives to saying "deeply wounded"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "profoundly hurt", "severely affected", or "emotionally scarred".

Is it appropriate to use "deeply wounded" in a formal setting?

Yes, "deeply wounded" can be used in formal settings, especially when discussing serious topics such as trauma, loss, or betrayal. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your communication to ensure it's appropriate.

What's the difference between "deeply wounded" and "slightly hurt"?

"Deeply wounded" implies a significant and lasting emotional or psychological impact, while "slightly hurt" suggests a minor and temporary emotional discomfort. The choice depends on the severity of the emotional distress you want to describe.