Discomfiture: meaning, definitions and examples
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discomfiture
[ ˌdɪsˈkʌmfɪtʃər ]
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.