Abashedly - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

expressing embarrassment

Abashedly is an adverb used to describe an action done in a way that shows embarrassment or self-consciousness. It implies a feeling of shame or awkwardness, usually in response to a social situation. When someone acts abashedly, they may show signs of blushing, avoiding eye contact, or fidgeting. This word often conveys a sense of humility or regret, indicating that the individual feels uneasy about their actions or circumstances.

Synonyms

embarrassingly, self-consciously, shamefacedly.

Examples of usage

She smiled abashedly after realizing her mistake.
He looked abashedly at the ground when he was caught eavesdropping.
She spoke abashedly, admitting her faults to the group.
He abashedly accepted the compliment, unsure of how to respond.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Feeling abashed can be linked to self-awareness, where people become conscious of how others perceive them.
This emotion can trigger physiological responses, like blushing or sweating, as the body reacts to embarrassment.
Individuals who often feel this way may develop social anxiety over time.

Literary Use

Writers often use this word to express character emotions in moments of vulnerability.
It frequently appears in poetry to evoke the tender feelings related to embarrassment.
Classic literature, like F. Scott Fitzgerald's works, showcases character abashment to highlight social dynamics.

Cultural References

In storytelling, a character may feel abashedly when caught in a lie, highlighting themes of honesty and trust.
In film, comedic moments often involve characters reacting abashedly to awkward situations, creating humor.
Social faux pas in public settings often lead to abashed reactions, reflecting cultural expectations for behavior.

Pop Culture

Reality shows often highlight moments where contestants react abashedly after unexpected revelations.
Songs and lyrics frequently touch on the theme of feeling abashed after romantic missteps or awkward encounters.
Popular memes depict relatable situations where individuals feel abashedly, connecting humorously with audiences.

Origin of 'abashedly'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Middle English 'abashen', meaning to make ashamed.
It combines the prefix 'a-' (from) and 'bash', connecting to feelings of embarrassment.
The use of '-ly' signifies it's an adverb, describing how someone feels in a situation.

The word 'abashedly' comes from the verb 'abash', which originates from the Middle English 'abashen', related to the Old French 'abacier', meaning to confuse or disconcert. This, in turn, can be traced back to the Latin 'bassare', which means to lower or to be humbled. The adverbial form '-ly' has been added to form 'abashedly', indicating the manner of the action. The term has evolved to signify not just confusion but a deeper sense of embarrassment or shame, reflecting the social and psychological dimensions of human interaction. Throughout history, the use of 'abashedly' has maintained its core meaning, often appearing in literature and conversations where the expression of personal feelings is central to understanding characters or situations.

Abashedly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations