Embarrassed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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embarrassed
em-bar-rassed
Definitions
feeling
Feeling ashamed, self-conscious, or uncomfortable in a social situation.
Synonyms
ashamed, self-conscious, uncomfortable.
Examples of usage
- I felt embarrassed when I realized I had been talking loudly on the phone in the library.
- She was embarrassed by her parents' loud behavior at the party.
Translations
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Quick facts about “embarrassed”
Embarrassed is a 3-syllable adjective and verb (em-bar-rassed). It is pronounced /ɪmˈbɛɹəst/ in American English and /ɛmbˈæɹəst/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 2 meanings, 6 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #8,056 among the most common English words.
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“embarrassed” in psychology
- Feeling embarrassed is often linked to social anxiety; it arises when there's a perception of social scrutiny.
- Embarrassment can trigger the 'fight or flight' response, causing physiological changes like blushing or sweating.
- Interestingly, embarrassment can foster social bonding; when others see you embarrassed, it can create empathy.
“embarrassed” in cultural perspectives
- In some cultures, embarrassment might be seen as a sign of humility and respect, while in others, it could be a social faux pas.
- The experience of embarrassment can differ based on societal norms about exposure and privacy.
- Public figures often experience intense embarrassment due to media scrutiny, shaping perceptions of fame and personal life.
“embarrassed” in literature
- Embarrassment is a common theme in literature, often used to develop character depth or humor.
- Classic novels frequently illustrate the awkward situations characters face, leading to both comedic and dramatic moments.
- Authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens used embarrassment as a tool to highlight societal expectations and personal dilemmas.
“embarrassed” in pop culture
- Movies often center around embarrassing scenarios, like the classic teen comedy 'Superbad', showcasing awkward teenage moments.
- Reality TV thrives on embarrassing moments for drama or humor, from talent shows to dating contests.
- Social media can amplify feelings of embarrassment when personal mistakes become public within moments.
Origin of 'embarrassed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Spanish 'embarazar,' meaning to hinder or thwart.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'imbarrare,' which means to obstruct or block.
- Over time, the meaning shifted from a physical blockage to emotional feelings of hindrance.
The word 'embarrassed' originated from the French word 'embarrasser' which means 'to block' or 'obstruct'. It was first used in the English language in the 1660s. The concept of feeling embarrassed has been present throughout history as a universal human emotion associated with social interactions and self-awareness.
See also: embarrass, embarrassedly, embarrassing, embarrassingly, embarrassment.