feeling of bewilderment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of bewilderment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of confusion or puzzlement that someone is experiencing. Example: "After hearing the unexpected news, she was left with a feeling of bewilderment, unsure of how to react."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mostly, there was a feeling of bewilderment.

The Guardian

That feeling of bewilderment extended to those reporting the massacre in what was then a quiet city with a population of less than 220,000.

The Guardian

It is the same feeling of bewilderment and secret fear (What next?) that Londoners felt after the first night of the Blitz, in September 1940.

The Guardian - Books

So I sought a form that might account for my feeling of bewilderment and wonderment and overwhelm, one that might assume the posture of someone facing the end of the world and wondering, What's going on?

The New Yorker

But we've all had that feeling of bewilderment — looking at a single leaf or a piece of wood and thinking that the entire history of the universe was captured within it, and how could that be?

The New Yorker

A number of those close to the Kremlin point to this genuine feeling of bewilderment about criticism and what is seen as an unwillingness to take Russia's interests into account.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He awakens from his trance only when forced to confront his bank account, at which point he experiences intense feelings of bewilderment and fear.

The New Yorker

In most places there were feelings of bewilderment, anger and shame – not all of it directed toward rioters – plus a sense that communities had been neglected by the government before the riots and hastily abandoned afterwards.

The Guardian

Everyone has experienced that feeling of utter bewilderment when the alarm awakens you from deep sleep, instead of the lighter sleep we are usually experiencing by the time our alarms sound.

BBC

No music mirrors this feeling of constant bewilderment as well as hardvapour a brutalist, high energy response to the lackadaisical nostalgia of vaporwave.

Vice

I don't think I've seen anyone do hangovers quite so nakedly: the fried-egg eyes, the pallid skin, the look of bewilderment are so spot-on you could believe she really is feeling the morning-after.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling of bewilderment" to convey a sense of confusion combined with emotional unease. It is appropriate when describing a reaction to unexpected or perplexing events.

Common error

Avoid using "feeling of bewilderment" when a simpler term like "confusion" or "uncertainty" would suffice. The phrase is most effective when conveying a deeper sense of being lost and emotionally affected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of bewilderment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a subjective experience of confusion and disorientation, often in response to unexpected or perplexing events. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of bewilderment" effectively communicates a state of confusion combined with emotional unease. Ludwig AI validates that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable across a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While less common than simpler terms like "confusion", it is more appropriate when conveying a deeper sense of being lost and emotionally affected. Using related phrases like "sense of confusion" or "state of perplexity" can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utter confusion

Intensifies the degree of confusion experienced.

sense of confusion

Focuses on the confused aspect, omitting the emotional component.

complete bafflement

Emphasizes the completeness of not understanding something.

state of perplexity

Emphasizes intellectual puzzlement rather than emotional turmoil.

profound disorientation

Highlights the depth and intensity of the disorientation.

sense of disorientation

Highlights the loss of bearings and clarity.

deep perplexity

Indicates a significant and difficult state of being perplexed.

moment of bafflement

Implies a shorter, more transient experience of being bewildered.

great mystification

Suggests a high degree of mystery and lack of understanding.

air of mystification

Suggests a more subtle and perhaps intriguing form of bewilderment.

FAQs

How can I use "feeling of bewilderment" in a sentence?

You can use "feeling of bewilderment" to describe a state of confusion and emotional disorientation, as in "After hearing the unexpected news, she was left with a feeling of bewilderment". Consider using alternatives like "sense of confusion" or "state of perplexity" if the emotional aspect is less prominent.

What's the difference between "feeling of bewilderment" and "sense of confusion"?

"Feeling of bewilderment" implies a stronger emotional component, suggesting a deeper sense of being lost and disoriented. "Sense of confusion" is more neutral and focuses primarily on the lack of understanding. The former is more appropriate when describing an emotional reaction.

What can I say instead of "feeling of bewilderment"?

You can use alternatives like "sense of confusion", "state of perplexity", or "sense of disorientation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Choose the alternative that best fits the context and the degree of emotional impact.

Is "feeling of bewilderment" a formal or informal expression?

"Feeling of bewilderment" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider using a more precise or technical term depending on the field. For instance, "cognitive dissonance" might be suitable in a psychological context.