Shamefaced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ณ
shamefaced
[หสeษชmหfeษชst ]
Definition
feeling embarrassed
Shamefaced refers to a feeling of embarrassment or guilt, often displayed by a downward gaze or a flushed face. It describes someone who is visibly ashamed or apologetic about their actions or circumstances.
Synonyms
ashamed, contrite, embarrassed.
Examples of usage
- He walked into the room, shamefaced after forgetting about the meeting.
- She offered a shamefaced apology for her rude comments.
- The child looked shamefaced when he realized he had broken the vase.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Experiencing shame is a complex emotion tied to self-evaluation and social standards.
- Shame can lead to positive behaviors as individuals often strive to amend their actions that caused the feeling.
- It contrasts with guilt, which focuses on actions rather than the self, indicating a deeper emotional processing.
Literature
- Shamefaced characters often appear in classic literature, be it through an act of moral failure or societal pressure.
- In Shakespeare's works, characters frequently display shame, emphasizing its role in human experience and vulnerability.
- Authors use shamefacedness to signal growth or introspection, contributing to character development.
Cultural References
- In ancient cultures, public displays of shame were used as punishments, reinforcing community standards.
- Modern media often portrays shamefaced characters in situations like confessing secrets or being caught in a mistake.
- Pop culture frequently uses the trope of a shamefaced character as a vehicle for humor or moral lessons.
Social Interactions
- Facial expressions are crucial in conveying emotions like shame, with blushing being a common physical response.
- In social settings, shamefacedness can lead to support or vulnerability, influencing group dynamics.
- Understanding the cues of shame can foster empathy in interpersonal relationships, as it's a universally experienced feeling.
Origin of 'shamefaced'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'shamefaced' combines 'shame' and 'faced', indicating a face that shows shame.
- It dates back to the late 14th century, originally used to describe a person visibly affected by shame.
- Similar constructs can be found in other languages, often describing facial expressions that convey emotions.
The term 'shamefaced' has its origins in the combination of 'shame' and 'faced,' where 'shame' comes from the Old English word 'scamu,' meaning 'a feeling of guilt or disgrace.' The word 'faced' indicates how one's face is presented, often reflecting their emotional state. It emerged in the English language during the late Middle Ages, where the concept of being visibly affected by one's shame became significant in social interactions. Over time, 'shamefaced' evolved to describe a person showing their shame outwardly, emphasizing the connection between internal feelings of guilt and external expressions of those feelings.