Shamefacedly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shamefacedly

[ˈʃeɪmˌfeɪsɪdli ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

in a shameful or embarrassed manner

Shamefacedly is an adverb that describes someone doing something in a way that shows they feel embarrassed or guilty. It is often used to convey a sense of shame or embarrassment in a subtle or understated manner. The term 'shamefacedly' implies a sense of self-consciousness or unease about one's actions.

Synonyms

apologetically, guiltily, sheepishly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shamefacedly	This word is used when someone is feeling or showing a sense of shame or embarrassment. It often involves a modest or downcast demeanor. She spoke shamefacedly about her mistake. He looked shamefacedly at the floor, unable to meet their eyes.
guiltily	This word is used when someone is feeling guilt or responsibility for a wrong action. It conveys a sense of remorse or culpability. He looked guiltily at the broken vase. She admitted guiltily that she had eaten the last piece of cake.
sheepishly	This word is used when someone is feeling embarrassed or awkward, often due to having done something foolish or awkward. It involves a timid or self-conscious manner. He smiled sheepishly after spilling his drink. She waved sheepishly when she realized she was in the wrong classroom.
apologetically	This word is used when someone is expressing regret or sorry for something they have done. It involves an apologetic tone or gesture. He smiled apologetically when he realized he had taken her seat. She apologetically explained why she was late.

Examples of usage

She shamefacedly admitted her mistake.
He looked at her shamefacedly, unable to meet her eyes.
The child apologized shamefacedly for breaking the vase.
They left the room shamefacedly after being caught gossiping.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

Shame and its display vary widely across cultures, with some societies encouraging public displays of shame to promote conformity.
In Japan, the concept of 'haji' represents the feeling of shame, influencing behaviors and societal interactions.
Various cultures use facial expressions to communicate feelings of embarrassment, illustrating the connection between emotions and physical expression.

Psychology

Shame can impact mental health, often leading to feelings of worthlessness if not addressed positively.
Psychologists differentiate between 'guilt' (feeling bad about an action) and 'shame' (feeling bad about oneself), highlighting the unique implications of each emotion.
A study found that acknowledging shame can be an important part of emotional healing, helping individuals deal with their feelings constructively.

Literature

Shamefacedly often appears in literature to depict characters who have made mistakes and must confront their guilt.
Classic novels frequently explore themes of shame, displaying the internal conflicts of protagonists and how they face society's judgment.
Famous works, like those of Jane Austen, use shamefaced expressions to illustrate social dynamics and the consequences of personal actions.

Pop Culture

In television and film, characters often illustrate this emotion through humorous or dramatic moments, making it relatable for audiences.
The phrase has been referenced in various songs, encapsulating feelings of embarrassment and introspection.
Reality shows regularly feature participants displaying shamefaced behavior after making questionable choices, emphasizing the public nature of shame.

Origin of 'shamefacedly'

Main points about word origin

The word combines 'shame,' meaning a painful feeling of humiliation or distress, and 'faced,' indicating an expression on someone's face.
It originated in the early 17th century, with its first recorded use appearing in literature during that time.
The prefix 'shame-' has roots in Old English, which reflects a universal feeling across cultures related to social norms.

The word 'shamefacedly' is derived from the combination of 'shamefaced' and the adverbial suffix '-ly'. 'Shamefaced' dates back to the late 16th century and has its origins in the Middle English word 'shamefast', meaning 'modest' or 'self-conscious'. The addition of the '-ly' suffix transforms 'shamefaced' into an adverb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed with a sense of shame or embarrassment.