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Discomfited Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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discomfited

[dษชsหˆkสŒmfษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

state of discomfort

Discomfited describes a state of being uneasy or embarrassed, often as a result of a situation that makes one feel awkward or out of place. It conveys feelings of confusion or discomfort in social interactions or unexpected circumstances.

Synonyms

disconcerted, embarrassed, uncomfortable.

Examples of usage

  • She felt discomfited by the unexpected compliment.
  • His discomfited expression revealed his discomfort in the crowded room.
  • The interviewer seemed discomfited by the candidate's bold answers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feelings of discomfiture often arise in social situations where one is out of their comfort zone.
  • Experiencing such discomfort can trigger anxiety but also promote personal growth and resilience.
  • Social rejection or mistakes, even minor ones, can lead to heightened awareness of discomfiture, as our minds often fixate on negative experiences.

Literature

  • Many classic novels explore themes of discomfiture, highlighting charactersโ€™ awkward moments in society.
  • Authors like Jane Austen often illustrate the social discomfiture of their characters, making it a dramatic tool.
  • In modern literature, discomfiture is frequently used to evoke empathy in the reader, relating to universal awkwardness.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often showcases moments of discomfiture to entertain, revealing the uncomfortable truths of human behavior.
  • Comedians often use anecdotes of discomfiture in their routines, resonating with audiences who relate to those experiences.
  • Popular films often feature scenes where characters face social mishaps, climaxing in discomfiture for comedic or dramatic effect.

Origin of 'discomfited'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'discomfitare,' meaning to defeat or confuse someone.
  • Originally, it referred more to a military defeat before evolving to include personal feelings of embarrassment.
  • The prefix 'dis-' adds a sense of negation to 'comfit,' which means to make comfortable.

The word 'discomfited' originated in the early 17th century, derived from the Middle English word 'discomfitten', which means to defeat or to make someone uncomfortable. Its root can be traced back to the Latin word 'disconfectus', meaning 'to put to rout', with 'dis-' indicating a negation or reversal, and 'confectus' meaning 'made up' or 'accomplished'. Over time, the meaning shifted from its original military connotation of overcoming an opponent to a more psychological discomfort in social situations. It was popularized in literature and has remained in use as a way to express social awkwardness or embarrassment in contemporary English.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,460, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.