Ignominy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ignominy
[หษชษกnษmษชni ]
Definition
social disgrace
Ignominy refers to public shame or disgrace. It describes a situation where someone is subjected to humiliation or loss of reputation due to their actions or circumstances. The term often relates to events that compromise a person's integrity and dignity. In history and literature, ignominy can signify a fall from grace or highlight the consequences of moral failure.
Synonyms
disgrace, dishonor, humiliation, infamy, shame.
Examples of usage
- He faced ignominy after his scandal was exposed.
- The ignominy of defeat haunted the team for years.
- She was forced to bear the ignominy of her parents' mistakes.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Victor Hugo's 'Les Misรฉrables', the character Jean Valjean experiences ignominy due to his criminal past, illustrating the personal struggle of redemption.
- Shakespeare often used the concept of ignominy to explore themes of honor and disgrace, particularly in plays like 'Henry IV'.
- Dante's 'Inferno' depicts various forms of ignominy suffered by souls, showcasing the concept's moral implications.
Psychology
- Research shows that feelings of ignominy can lead to social withdrawal and increased anxiety.
- The experience of ignominy is often tied to our perceptions of social acceptance and can impact self-esteem.
- Surprisingly, ignominy, when dealt with properly, can inspire personal growth and resilience.
Pop Culture
- In various reality TV shows, contestants experiencing ignominy often become memorable for their dramatic falls from grace.
- Comedians frequently draw on personal stories of ignominy to connect with audiences, revealing the humor in embarrassing moments.
- The concept of ignominy is prevalent in social media culture, where public blunders can lead to viral shaming.
Origin of 'ignominy'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'ignominia', which means dishonor or disgrace.
- It consists of the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not', and 'nominia' related to a name or honor, thus literally meaning 'not having a good name'.
- It has been used in the English language since the 15th century, maintaining its connection to shame.
The word 'ignominy' comes from the Latin 'ignominia', which is a combination of 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'nomen' meaning 'name'. Originally, it referred to a lack of a good name or reputation, which evolved into its current meaning of disgrace or shame. The term was adopted into Middle English from Old French 'ignominie' in the 14th century. Its usage has remained largely consistent, often appearing in discussions of morality, ethics, and societal judgments. Throughout literary works, 'ignominy' has depicted characters' downfalls and the societal repercussions of their actions, solidifying its place in the English lexicon as a term denoting deep shame.