Shamefully Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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shamefully
[ˈʃeɪm.fəl.i ]
Definition
adverb of manner
In a shameful or disgraceful manner.
Synonyms
disgracefully, embarrassingly, humiliatingly.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| shamefully |
When someone behaves in a way that they know is wrong and feel guilt, but not necessarily in public.
|
| disgracefully |
When someone's behavior brings public shame or loss of respect, often used to describe actions that are socially or morally offensive.
|
| embarrassingly |
In situations where an action causes someone to feel awkward or self-conscious, often used in more casual or personal settings.
|
| humiliatingly |
Describes actions that deeply hurt someone's pride or dignity, often causing long-lasting emotional pain. It has a strong negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- She apologized shamefully for her mistake.
- He hung his head shamefully, unable to meet her eyes.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling shame can trigger a strong emotional response, often leading to withdrawal from social situations.
- Shame is different from guilt; while guilt is about feeling bad for actions, shame is about feeling bad about oneself.
- Research suggests that chronic shame can impact mental health, leading to issues like anxiety and depression.
Cultural Perspectives
- In some cultures, shame can act as a social control mechanism, influencing behavior to conform to societal norms.
- Eastern cultures often emphasize collective shame, affecting family reputation, while Western cultures may focus on individual shame.
- Rituals of public confession in certain traditions aim to alleviate the burden of shame and restore community bonds.
Literature
- Shame often plays a significant role in character development in literature, illustrating internal conflicts.
- Classic literary works, including Nathaniel Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter', explore themes of public shame and redemption.
- Many poets, such as John Milton, have used shame to express profound moral and ethical dilemmas.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict characters experiencing shame as a catalyst for personal growth or transformation.
- Shows like 'The Office' cleverly illustrate social shame through character missteps and awkward situations.
- Musicians often write songs about shame, using it as a way to connect deeply with listeners through shared struggles.
Origin of 'shamefully'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'shame', which has origins in Old English, meaning 'to cover' or 'to hide' something.
- Adding the suffix '-fully' turns 'shame' into an adverb, showing how an action is done – with shame.
- Similar words in other languages, like 'culpa' in Spanish, also express feelings of guilt or shame.
The word 'shamefully' originates from the Middle English word 'shameful', which is derived from the Old English 'sceamfyl', meaning 'full of shame'. The adverb form 'shamefully' has been used in the English language for centuries to describe actions done in a disgraceful or embarrassing manner.
See also: ashamed, shame, shamed, shamefacedly, shameful, shameless, shamelessly, shamelessness, shaming, unashamed.