was aroused by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was aroused by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing emotional or physical stimulation, often in literature or psychological discussions. Example: "The haunting melody was aroused by memories of her childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The difference is that Hitchcock was aroused by the spectacle of arousal, whereas Shyamalan remains as coolly unstirred by sex as he was in his previous movies — an astounding indifference, given the historical entwining of eros and fright.

The New Yorker

Excitement was aroused by Ellen West, who said the man was frightening & not human looking.

The New Yorker

Although he was an indifferent scholar, his interest was aroused by lectures on the then little-understood subject of electricity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His ire was aroused by the court's decision to scotch a sex-discrimination lawsuit against Walmart, the world's biggest retailer.

The Economist

In 1903, on his return from military service, Brancusi's interest was aroused by the fame of Auguste Rodin, which had spread from Paris to Bucharest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When in 1830 the ship was condemned as unseaworthy and recommended for breaking up, public sentiment was aroused by Oliver Wendell Holmes's poem "Old Ironsides".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Second, animals exhibit an increased arousal threshold during sleep, although they can still be aroused by strong stimuli, thus distinguishing sleep from paralysis or coma.

eLife

We possess multiple selves that are aroused by different circumstances.

The New Yorker

The somnolent Democrats could be aroused by the environment issues.

The New York Times

Intense memories are aroused by the slightest noise or smell.

The Guardian

Most people are aroused by their partner's demonstrated passion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was aroused by" to describe a state of heightened interest, emotion, or physical sensation caused by something specific. Ensure the context is appropriate for the level of intensity conveyed by the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "was aroused by" in highly formal or professional writing unless the context specifically warrants it. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "was stimulated by" or "was influenced by" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was aroused by" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject experienced a heightened state of feeling, interest, or stimulation due to an external cause. As per Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English. Examples showcase its use across various contexts from emotional responses to intellectual curiosity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

26%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was aroused by" is a versatile phrase used to describe the cause of heightened interest, emotion, or physical sensation. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English, appearing frequently in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. While grammatically correct, writers should consider the specific connotation of "aroused" and choose more neutral alternatives like "was stimulated by" or "was influenced by" in formal settings to avoid potential misinterpretations. Its frequency of use and varied contextual applications highlight its relevance in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was stimulated by

Replaces "aroused" with "stimulated", suggesting a more general form of activation or invigoration.

was excited by

Substitutes "aroused" with "excited", implying a heightened state of enthusiasm or eagerness.

was intrigued by

Replaces "aroused" with "intrigued", focusing on the aspect of curiosity and fascination.

was awakened by

Uses "awakened" instead of "aroused", suggesting a sudden realization or renewed interest.

was provoked by

Substitutes "aroused" with "provoked", indicating that something incited a reaction or feeling.

was stirred by

Replaces "aroused" with "stirred", conveying a sense of emotional or intellectual stimulation.

was animated by

Uses "animated" instead of "aroused", implying a sense of being filled with energy or enthusiasm.

was captivated by

Replaces "aroused" with "captivated", focusing on the aspect of being charmed or enthralled.

was ignited by

Substitutes "aroused" with "ignited", suggesting a sudden and intense burst of interest or passion.

was moved by

Replaces "aroused" with "moved", conveying a sense of emotional impact or empathy.

FAQs

What does "was aroused by" mean?

The phrase "was aroused by" means that someone or something experienced a heightened state of emotion, interest, or physical sensation as a result of something else. This can range from intellectual curiosity to strong emotional or physical responses.

How can I use "was aroused by" in a sentence?

Use "was aroused by" to indicate that a particular stimulus caused someone to feel excited, interested, or emotionally moved. For example, "His interest in the subject "was aroused by" the lectures of the British physiologist Michael Foster."

Which is a more formal alternative to "was aroused by"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative to "was aroused by", consider using phrases like "was stimulated by" or "was influenced by". These alternatives convey a similar meaning without the potentially strong emotional or physical connotations.

Is "was aroused by" appropriate for academic writing?

While "was aroused by" can be used in academic writing, it's important to consider the context. In some cases, it may be too informal or carry unintended connotations. Alternatives such as "was inspired by" or "was motivated by" might be more suitable.