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Abashed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abashed

[ษ™หˆbรฆสƒt ]

Definition

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Being abashed can trigger a fight-or-flight response, affecting how we react in social situations.
  • Feeling this way gets more intense in large groups, often linked to social anxiety and fear of judgment.

Literature

  • The term has appeared in works by Shakespeare, who used it to convey charactersโ€™ deep feelings in complex situations.
  • It often describes moments of vulnerability in characters, revealing their emotional depth and human fragility.

Pop Culture

  • In various TV shows and movies, characters feel abashed when they accidentally embarrass themselves in front of someone they like.
  • Social media has amplified feelings of being abashed, as people may feel uncomfortable sharing less-than-perfect moments online.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, feelings of abashment can lead to social withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining face and dignity.
  • Rituals or ceremonies in certain cultures, like coming-of-age celebrations, address the feeling of being abashed as part of personal growth and maturity.

Origin of 'abashed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English 'abasshen,' which means to 'cause to lose courage.'
  • Its roots trace back to the Old French 'abaisser,' meaning to 'lower down or humble,' hinting at a loss of confidence.

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.