flinched

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "flinched" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who makes a startled reaction, often caused by fear or pain. Example Sentence: When the loud gunshot went off, John flinched in surprise.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Over four seasons, the show has never flinched from that ambition and managed to realise it consummately.

The Guardian

My left-leaning barber (a Socialist supporter) flinched.

The Guardian - Opinion

I flinched when someone shouted.

The Guardian

And when Mr Ahmadinejad tried to repeat the unprecedented show of fealty he performed at the last such ceremony in 2005 by kissing Mr Khamenei's hand, this time the supreme leader flinched, prompting a clumsy kiss of his shoulder instead.Hardly had the ceremony closed before street protests erupted anew across Tehran.

The Economist

But more important, he added, was to find people who cared a great deal about precisely the same things that mattered to him.The strength of Apple's senior team is one reason that the firm's share price barely flinched when news emerged last month that Mr Jobs was relinquishing his role as chief executive and becoming executive chairman.

The Economist

It has flinched, but the argument rages on.

The Economist

Ferenc Gyurcsany's government in Hungary has done remarkably well in bringing that country's public finances back from the brink, but has flinched at real reform of the public sector.

The Economist

The German stockmarket barely flinched at the new CO2 standards.Related items Chinese cars: One to watchFeb 22nd 2007 Germany's cars: Losing their vrroooom?Feb 22nd 2007Yet Germany's carmakers are less well-placed for the future than are other European producers, let alone the Japanese.

The Economist

But he flinched from disabled children, warding off the evil eye with two fingers from a clenched fist.

The Economist

Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan Chase have also not flinched from shedding staff.

The Economist

Credit markets screamed trouble, with spreads widening dramatically, while share prices barely flinched.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flinched" to vividly describe a sudden, involuntary physical reaction to something startling, painful, or frightening. It adds a layer of immediacy and realism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "flinched" interchangeably with verbs like "flinched", "cringed", or "recoiled" without considering the subtle differences in meaning. "Flinched" implies a quick, involuntary reaction, while "cringed" suggests embarrassment and "recoiled" indicates a stronger aversion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "flinched" is as the past tense form of the verb "flinch". It typically functions as the main verb in a sentence, describing a sudden, involuntary movement in response to a stimulus, as shown by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flinched" is the past tense of "flinch", describing a sudden, involuntary reaction to something startling or painful. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, making it appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Remember to use "flinched" to vividly describe physical reactions and consider alternatives like "recoiled" or "winced" depending on the context. When using this term, be mindful of not confusing it with synonyms that denote stronger emotions, and use it to add a touch of realism to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

winced

Indicates a slight grimace or shrinking movement, often in response to pain or discomfort.

recoiled

Describes a sudden movement backward, similar to flinching, but can imply a stronger aversion.

cringed

Implies shrinking back in embarrassment or disgust, a more emotional reaction than a simple flinch.

shrank back

Describes physically moving away from something, showing a desire to avoid it.

shuddered

Suggests a trembling or shaking response, often due to fear or cold.

backed away

Describes a physical retreat from a situation, indicating avoidance.

jumped

Describes a sudden, involuntary movement, often caused by surprise or shock.

started

Indicates a sudden, often involuntary movement or reaction due to surprise.

hesitated

Implies a pause or reluctance before doing something, showing uncertainty or doubt.

reverted

Signifies the return to a previous action or belief.

FAQs

How can I use "flinched" in a sentence?

The word "flinched" describes a quick, involuntary recoiling movement in response to pain, fear, or surprise. For example, "He "flinched" when the loud noise startled him."

What are some alternatives to the word "flinched"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "winced", "recoiled", "shrank back", or "cringed" to convey a similar meaning to "flinched".

What is the difference between "flinched" and "recoiled"?

"Flinched" usually describes a smaller, more involuntary movement, often in anticipation of something unpleasant. "Recoiled", on the other hand, suggests a stronger and more deliberate movement away from something due to fear, disgust, or shock.

Is it correct to say someone "flinched" at a harsh word?

Yes, it is correct. You can use "flinched" to describe a reaction to something non-physical, such as a harsh word or an insult, to convey that the person reacted as if they had been struck physically.