Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Humiliatingly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

😳
Add to dictionary

humiliatingly

[hjuːˈmɪliˌeɪtɪŋli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

being embarrassed or degraded

In a way that causes someone to feel ashamed or foolish, typically in front of others.

Synonyms

disgracefully, embarrassingly, shamefully.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
humiliatingly

Duplicate of 'humiliatingly' — see above.
embarrassingly

Used in situations where someone feels awkward or uncomfortable, usually because of a mistake or social faux pas, but not necessarily with deep shame.

  • She tripped embarrassingly while walking on stage.
  • He forgot his lines embarrassingly during the performance.
shamefully

Used to describe actions or behavior that cause someone to feel immense shame or guilt. Strong negative connotation.

  • He shamefully admitted to cheating on the exam.
  • The politician shamefully avoided answering the crucial questions.
disgracefully

Used when describing actions or behavior that bring dishonor or are considered very bad. Often carries a strong negative connotation.

  • He behaved disgracefully at the party, insulting almost everyone.
  • The company's actions were disgracefully unethical.

Examples of usage

  • She was humiliated when her mistake was pointed out in front of the whole class.
  • He was treated humiliatingly by his boss in front of his colleagues.
  • The team lost the game humiliatingly in front of their fans.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing humiliation can lead to deep emotional effects, often resulting in anxiety or withdrawal from social situations.
  • Studies reveal that humiliation can trigger similar responses in the brain as physical pain, indicating its severity.
  • People typically respond to humiliation by either hiding from social interactions or seeking revenge against those who caused the feeling.

Pop Culture

  • Television shows often use humiliation as a comedic element, portraying characters in embarrassing situations for laughs.
  • Famous reality shows sometimes create dramatic tension by putting contestants in humiliating challenges, testing their resilience.
  • Movies frequently explore themes of humiliation, such as high school dramas where characters face public embarrassment.

Literature

  • Many classic novels feature characters facing humiliation, driving their development and revealing societal norms, like in 'Pride and Prejudice'.
  • Poetry often captures the emotional landscape of humiliation, using vivid imagery to evoke feelings and sympathy.
  • Contemporary novels frequently tackle the consequences of public shame and the journey of overcoming those feelings.

Sociology

  • Different cultures have unique views on humiliation; in some, it can serve as a method of social control or discipline.
  • Public shaming has historical roots in social regulation, where individuals faced humiliation as a form of punishment.
  • In modern societies, social media can amplify feelings of humiliation due to instant public feedback on personal actions.

Origin of 'humiliatingly'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'humiliare,' meaning 'to make low', relating to the feeling of being brought down.
  • In English, the suffix ‘-ly’ transforms 'humiliating' (causing shame) into an adverb, describing how the act is done.
  • Related terms include 'humiliation' and 'humble', both deriving from themes of lowering or demeaning.

The word 'humiliatingly' is derived from the verb 'humiliate', which comes from the Latin word 'humiliatus', meaning 'brought low'. The concept of humiliation has been present in human interactions throughout history, often as a means of asserting dominance or control over others. The adverb form 'humiliatingly' emphasizes the manner in which someone is made to feel embarrassed or degraded in a particular situation.

See also: humiliate, humiliated, humiliating, humiliation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,975, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.