Discomfiture: meaning, definitions and examples

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discomfiture

 

[ ˌdɪsˈkʌmfɪtʃər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

state of confusion

Discomfiture refers to a state of embarrassment or confusion. It often arises from feeling thwarted or put in a difficult position. People may experience discomfiture in social situations or when facing unexpected challenges.

Synonyms

confusion, discomfort, disconcertion, embarrassment, unease

Examples of usage

  • She felt a deep sense of discomfiture when she realized she had forgotten her lines.
  • His discomfiture was evident during the awkward silence after the question.
  • To her discomfiture, she tripped while walking on stage.
  • The unexpected critique left him in a state of discomfiture.
  • There was a moment of collective discomfiture among the attendees.

Translations

Translations of the word "discomfiture" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desconforto

🇮🇳 असुविधा

🇩🇪 Verlegenheit

🇮🇩 ketidaknyamanan

🇺🇦 незручність

🇵🇱 zakłopotanie

🇯🇵 困惑

🇫🇷 déconfiture

🇪🇸 incomodidad

🇹🇷 rahatsızlık

🇰🇷 혼란

🇸🇦 إحراج

🇨🇿 nepohodlí

🇸🇰 nepríjemnosť

🇨🇳 困惑

🇸🇮 zmedeno

🇮🇸 óþægindi

🇰🇿 қатты ыңғайсыздық

🇬🇪 არამყარი

🇦🇿 narahatlıq

🇲🇽 incomodidad

Etymology

The word 'discomfiture' originates from the Middle English term 'discomfiture', derived from the Old French 'desconfire', which means 'to defeat or throw into disorder'. This was based on the Latin 'discomfitus', the past participle of 'disconfundere' meaning 'to confuse or disconcert'. Initially, it conveyed the sense of being defeated in a battle or competition, but over time, its meaning evolved to encompass feelings of awkwardness or embarrassment. By the 16th century, 'discomfiture' was commonly used in English literature to describe both literal defeats and more abstract feelings of discomfort and confusion, highlighting the emotional turmoil that can accompany social interactions. Its usage persists in modern English, capturing the complexity of human emotions in challenging situations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,181, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.