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Abashed: meaning, definitions and examples

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abashed

 

[ əˈbæʃt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling ashamed

Abashed refers to feeling embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed, typically due to a mistake or socially awkward situation. This emotion can arise in various contexts, such as public speaking, introducing oneself, or receiving undeserved criticism. When someone is abashed, they might experience a rush of warm color in their cheeks or an instinctive desire to withdraw from the spotlight. It is often a reaction to feeling exposed or judged by others.

Synonyms

ashamed, disconcerted, embarrassed

Examples of usage

  • She felt abashed after stumbling over her words during the presentation.
  • He was abashed when he realized everyone had heard his embarrassing story.
  • The child looked abashed after being scolded for not listening.
  • I felt abashed when I forgot my friend's birthday.

Translations

Translations of the word "abashed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 envergonhado

🇮🇳 शर्मिंदा

🇩🇪 verlegen

🇮🇩 malu

🇺🇦 сором'язливий

🇵🇱 zażenowany

🇯🇵 気まずい

🇫🇷 embarrassé

🇪🇸 vergonzoso

🇹🇷 utangaç

🇰🇷 당황한

🇸🇦 محرج

🇨🇿 zaražený

🇸🇰 zahanbený

🇨🇳 尴尬的

🇸🇮 sramoten

🇮🇸 vandræðalegur

🇰🇿 ұялу

🇬🇪 დაბნეული

🇦🇿 tənhalıq

🇲🇽 avergonzado

Etymology

The word 'abashed' originates from the Middle English word 'abaschen,' which itself comes from the Old French 'abachir,' meaning to 'sink' or 'cast down.' Historically, it has been used to describe a state of feeling hampered or reduced in dignity or self-esteem due to social mishaps or error. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'bassa' (low), which also connects to the sense of lowliness or shame. Over the centuries, 'abashed' has maintained its meaning of embarrassment and social awkwardness, embodying the universal human experience of feeling exposed or judged. The evolution of the term reflects not only the linguistic shifts but also cultural perceptions of social behavior and self-worth.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,842, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.