Ignominy: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

Literature

• In Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables', 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.

Positioned at #24,815, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

• ...
• 24812 trowel
• 24813 vizier
• 24814 jewelled
• 24815 ignominy
• 24816 hype
• 24817 unrolled
• 24818 debarment
• ...