feeling of guardedness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling of guardedness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being cautious or protective, often in emotional or interpersonal contexts. Example: "After the betrayal, she was left with a feeling of guardedness towards new relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there's something also there of smoothed veneer, of guardedness … but I'm still left with this feeling of … a bit of a wall — the veil.

The New Yorker

Their expression is intelligent and measuring to the point of guardedness.

The New Yorker

His voice carries a hint of guardedness, which is not surprising to me.

The Guardian

What struck me most forcibly at that first meeting was her lack of guardedness.

The Washington Post

After years of guardedness, my access to others and their easy intimacy unmasks me, and I don't always like it.

The Guardian

His first- and third-person narratives share a quality of guardedness, a fussy exactness that signifies something more than writerly care.

The New York Times - Books

The Céline woman can at times seem cool to the point of guardedness, but she seemed softer, more approachable this season.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's something appealing about people who display a near total lack of guardedness.

Vice

Scores of people have been arrested, harassed and beaten, they say, and the optimism of election day has been eclipsed by a familiar sense of guardedness and fear.

Los Angeles Times

The feeling of beauty.

The New Yorker

The feeling of presence".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "feeling of guardedness" to convey a sense of caution and emotional protection, particularly after a negative experience or in an uncertain environment. Using specific details about the situation enhances the impact.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "feeling of guardedness" solely to inherent personality traits. Consider external factors or past experiences that might contribute to this state of caution. Ascribing it only to character can oversimplify complex emotions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling of guardedness" functions as a noun phrase that describes a subjective emotional state. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable expression in English. It commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence, conveying a specific sense of caution or emotional reservation.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feeling of guardedness" describes a state of emotional caution, often resulting from past experiences. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in English. Related phrases include "sense of caution" and "emotional reticence". When using this phrase, consider the context and possible underlying reasons for this emotional state, avoiding oversimplification. While grammatically sound and versatile, the phrase's frequency is relatively uncommon, though authoritative sources like The New Yorker and The Guardian use it. It can be used in a variety of contexts to describe a subjective emotional state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of caution

Emphasizes a sense of carefulness and wariness.

feeling of wariness

Focuses on being cautious and alert to potential dangers.

sense of reservation

Focuses on the act of holding back or not fully expressing oneself.

air of defensiveness

Highlights a protective stance against perceived threats.

emotional reticence

Highlights a reluctance to share emotions openly.

hint of skepticism

Suggests a degree of doubt or questioning.

undercurrent of distrust

Suggests a subtle but pervasive lack of trust.

sense of apprehension

Implies anxiety or fear about what might happen.

state of vigilance

Emphasizes a state of being watchful and alert.

attitude of circumspection

Indicates careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar state to "feeling of guardedness"?

You can use alternatives such as "sense of caution", "air of defensiveness", or "emotional reticence" depending on the context.

What situations might prompt a "feeling of guardedness"?

A "feeling of guardedness" can arise after experiences like betrayal, disappointment, or entering unfamiliar environments. It indicates a protective emotional response.

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

The phrase "feeling of guardedness" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is more commonly found in descriptive writing and analytical discussions.

How does "feeling of guardedness" differ from "anxiety"?

"Feeling of guardedness" implies a cautious, protective stance, while "anxiety" suggests a more intense state of worry or fear. Guardedness is often a controlled response, whereas anxiety is a more generalized feeling of unease.