feel bruised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel bruised" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express emotional pain or hurt, often in the context of feeling vulnerable or affected by someone's words or actions. Example: "After the harsh criticism from my colleague, I couldn't help but feel bruised by the experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Do I feel bruised?

The Guardian

Both say they feel bruised by the attention.

The Guardian

Clegg said: "I don't feel bruised at all.

The Guardian

Qualcomm is not the only partner to feel bruised by Unicom.

The New York Times

He noted that foreign delegations often feel bruised by their treatment when they visit the United States.

The New York Times

One told Casey's team: "I would challenge lots of the Jay report, we feel bruised by it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But she felt bruised and angry.

The New Yorker

"We all felt bruised that morning.

The Guardian

I radiated heat, and my joints and muscles felt bruised.

The New Yorker

I needed the break anyway because my, um, pelvic girdle felt bruised.

The New York Times - Magazine

In this rough-and-tumble environment, the book reports, female staff members often felt bruised.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel bruised" to express emotional vulnerability after a difficult situation, especially when you want to convey a sense of being hurt but not necessarily defeated.

Common error

While "feel bruised" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral language like "feel affected" or "feel disappointed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel bruised" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of emotional discomfort or hurt. Ludwig confirms its usability. It describes a feeling of vulnerability and being somewhat damaged after a negative experience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Science

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel bruised" is a verb phrase used to describe experiencing emotional pain or hurt, leaving one feeling vulnerable. Ludwig confirms it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Although not overly common, it appears in various contexts, most frequently in News & Media and Academia. When aiming for a more neutral tone, consider using alternatives such as "feel hurt" or "feel affected". Overall, "feel bruised" effectively conveys a sense of emotional impact and vulnerability following a negative experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel hurt

This alternative is a more direct and common way to express emotional pain.

feel wounded

This alternative suggests a deeper level of emotional injury, similar to a physical wound.

feel stung

This alternative implies a sharp, sudden emotional pain.

feel demoralized

This alternative suggests a loss of confidence or morale due to a negative experience.

feel disheartened

This alternative conveys a sense of disappointment and discouragement.

feel affected

This alternative is a more general way to express being influenced or impacted by something.

feel shaken

This alternative implies a sense of being disturbed or unsettled by an event.

feel battered

This alternative suggests a prolonged or intense experience of emotional hardship.

feel vulnerable

This alternative focuses on the sense of being exposed and susceptible to harm.

feel sensitive

This alternative implies that you are easily emotionally affected.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel bruised"?

To "feel bruised" means to experience emotional pain or hurt, often after a challenging or negative encounter. It suggests a feeling of vulnerability and being somewhat damaged, but not necessarily broken.

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

You can use "feel bruised" to describe how someone feels after criticism, rejection, or any situation that causes emotional discomfort. For example, "After the harsh feedback, I couldn't help but "feel bruised"."

What are some alternatives to "feel bruised"?

Alternatives to "feel bruised" include "feel hurt", "feel wounded", or "feel stung". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "feel bruised" in professional communication?

While "feel bruised" is generally acceptable, consider the context. In formal settings, more neutral terms like "feel disappointed" or "feel affected" might be more suitable.