rather hurt

USAGE SUMMARY

"rather hurt" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to express a significant level of emotional or physical pain. Example: "She felt rather hurt by his comments." Alternative expressions include "quite hurt" and "somewhat hurt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

I'm rather hurt, actually.

The Guardian - Film

There is nobody liberals would rather hurt.

The Economist

The assassin sounds rather hurt.

The Guardian

He'd rather hurt you than be dishonest.

The Guardian

"Well, I'm trying to shout less," I say, rather hurt that she hasn't noticed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She is rather hurt to hear that – if nothing else changes – her net pay will go down next April.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Such matters amuse now rather than hurt.

The Guardian

"Rather than hurt Ecuador it puts it in a kind of political vanguard in Latin America".

The New York Times

"But if you really look, then maybe he wanted only to impress rather than hurt.

The Guardian - Sport

Done well, budgeting can indeed help rather than hurt the poor and vulnerable.

The Guardian - Opinion

With his awkward manner and solitary habits, he comes across as more stunted than damaged, soft rather than hurt.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rather hurt" to express a polite or understated level of emotional pain or disappointment. It's particularly effective when you want to avoid sounding overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "rather hurt" excessively in highly formal or professional writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound too understated or indirect. Consider more direct alternatives depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rather hurt" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a passive verb. It indicates the extent to which someone is emotionally or physically affected. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, marking it as correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rather hurt" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey a moderate level of emotional pain or disappointment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various writing and speaking contexts, especially when you want to express your feelings with a degree of understatement. Predominantly found in News & Media, "rather hurt" strikes a neutral tone, avoiding extremes of formality or informality. When aiming for a similar effect, consider alternatives like "somewhat wounded" or "slightly offended". Remember to avoid overusing "rather hurt" in highly formal settings, opting for more direct language when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat wounded

Emphasizes the feeling of being injured or emotionally damaged to a certain extent.

slightly offended

Highlights the feeling of being insulted or displeased in a mild way.

a bit stung

Conveys a feeling of sharp, but not overwhelming, emotional pain.

somewhat bruised

Suggests a feeling of being emotionally harmed or damaged, similar to a physical bruise.

mildly aggrieved

Indicates a feeling of injustice or resentment, but to a limited degree.

a little disheartened

Focuses on the feeling of losing enthusiasm or hope to a moderate extent.

slightly saddened

Emphasizes a gentle feeling of sorrow or unhappiness.

a tad wounded

Conveys a slightly more casual tone while still indicating emotional injury.

reasonably bothered

Highlights the feeling of being disturbed or annoyed to a reasonable degree.

fairly upset

Indicates a moderate level of distress or unhappiness.

FAQs

How can I use "rather hurt" in a sentence?

You can use "rather hurt" to express mild disappointment or emotional pain, as in "I was "rather hurt" by his comment" or "She seemed "rather hurt" when she didn't get the promotion".

What is a synonym for "rather hurt"?

Alternatives to "rather hurt" include "slightly offended", "somewhat wounded", or "a bit stung". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "rather hurt"?

Yes, "rather hurt" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express a moderate degree of emotional distress or disappointment. It's a valid and understandable expression.

What's the difference between "rather hurt" and "deeply hurt"?

"Rather hurt" indicates a mild to moderate level of emotional pain, while "deeply hurt" implies a much stronger and more profound emotional impact. "I was "rather hurt"" suggests a temporary feeling, whereas "I was deeply hurt" suggests a significant emotional wound.