Embarrassment

Definition

Embarrassment refers to a feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness caused by a situation or event. It can also refer to something that causes a person to feel uncomfortable or embarrassed.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪmˈbærəsmənt/
• Respelling: im-BAR-uhs-muhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ɪmˈbærəsmənt/
• Respelling: im-BAR-uhs-muhnt

The pronunciation of "embarrassment" is consistent in both American and British English, with only minor differences in accentuation.

Etymology

The word "embarrassment" comes from the French word "embarras," meaning "obstruction" or "hindrance," which originated from the Italian "imbarazzo." The root of the word can be traced back to the Portuguese or Spanish "embarazar," meaning "to block" or "to entangle." In English, it came to mean "to make self-conscious" or "to cause feelings of discomfort" from the early 18th century.

Derivatives

• Embarrass (verb)
• Embarrassing (adjective)
• Embarrassed (adjective)
• Re-embarrass (verb)
• Unembarrassed (adjective)

Synonyms

• Humiliation
• Awkwardness
• Discomfort

Antonyms

• Confidence
• Comfort
• Assurance

Usage

The word "embarrassment" is often used in social, personal, and public contexts to describe the feeling of awkwardness or discomfort that arises from a situation where one feels exposed or ashamed. It can also be applied to describe something that causes this feeling in oneself or others.

Related Terms

• Shame: A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.
• Self-consciousness: The feeling of being acutely aware of oneself, often in a way that makes one feel uncomfortable or awkward.
• Mortification: A sense of humiliation or shame caused by something that wounds one's pride or dignity.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness: Describes the uncomfortable emotional state when someone feels exposed or awkward in a situation.
  • Example: "Her embarrassment was clear when she tripped on stage."
• A cause of discomfort or awkwardness: Refers to a situation or event that brings about feelings of awkwardness or shame.
  • Example: "The typo in the report was a source of great embarrassment to the team."