sense of detachment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of detachment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a feeling of emotional distance or disconnection from a situation or person. Example: "After the traumatic event, she experienced a profound sense of detachment from her surroundings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Such proceedings generate no sense of detachment.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Waters had already been struggling with a sense of detachment from his family.

The New York Times

If Sharpe succeeds in this task, it's because he's helped by his wry sense of detachment.

The New York Times - Books

The same sense of detachment could be found among big institutional investors.

The New York Times

It tells a truth about Houellebecq's own disconcerted sense of detachment from human relations.

The New Yorker

This sense of detachment wore off as the day went on.

Independent

There is no ceremony, but also a strangely ethereal sense of detachment.

Independent

She speaks of "barely feeling like I'm attached to the music industry now," and of relishing that sense of detachment.

The Guardian - Music

Yet at the same time he often feels a sense of detachment, a slight sense of apartness.

The New York Times - Books

DeLillo supposes his parents' foreignness gave him a sense of detachment, a grain of perspective on American cultural life.

The Guardian - Books

The walkers and the prints, especially, communicate a sense of detachment that's at odds with Antiochus' tactile ascendancy.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of detachment" to precisely describe a feeling of emotional disconnection, particularly when discussing psychological or philosophical concepts. For example, in psychology, it can describe a symptom of certain mental health conditions, while in philosophy, it can refer to a specific mindset.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of detachment" when you actually mean apathy or indifference. Detachment implies a separation or lack of emotional involvement, while apathy suggests a lack of interest or concern. For example, a surgeon maintaining a professional "sense of detachment" during an operation is different from being apathetic about a patient's well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of detachment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or feeling of being emotionally or psychologically disconnected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

20%

Books

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sense of detachment" is a correct and frequently used noun phrase that describes a feeling of emotional disconnection, as validated by Ludwig. It appears across various contexts, including news, arts, and books, indicating its versatility. While a "sense of detachment" can sometimes be a negative experience, it can also be a necessary coping mechanism or a professional tool. Remember to distinguish it from apathy and use it accurately to convey emotional or psychological distance. Based on the frequency across reputable sources, understanding the nuances of "sense of detachment" ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of disconnection

Focuses on the lack of connection rather than the feeling of being detached.

feeling of alienation

Emphasizes the feeling of being isolated and estranged from others or society.

emotional distance

Highlights the lack of emotional involvement or connection.

lack of involvement

Stresses the absence of participation or engagement.

aloofness

Implies a deliberate distancing, often perceived as cold or superior.

indifference

Indicates a lack of interest or concern.

emotional unavailability

Focuses on the inability to form emotional connections.

dispassion

Suggests a lack of emotional intensity or bias.

objectivity

Emphasizes a neutral and unbiased perspective.

detachment from reality

Highlights a disconnect from the physical world and everyday experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of detachment" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of detachment" to describe a feeling of being emotionally disconnected from a situation or person. For example: "After the accident, she experienced a strong sense of detachment from her surroundings."

What is the difference between "sense of detachment" and "feeling of remoteness"?

"Sense of detachment" typically refers to an emotional or psychological disconnection, while "feeling of remoteness" often implies a physical or social distance.

What can I say instead of "sense of detachment"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling of disconnection", "emotional distance", or "lack of involvement" depending on the specific context.

Is it always negative to have a "sense of detachment"?

Not necessarily. In some situations, a "sense of detachment" can be a useful coping mechanism or a way to maintain objectivity. For example, professionals like surgeons or therapists may need to cultivate a certain degree of detachment to perform their jobs effectively.