Embarrassed: Definition and Synonyms
Embarrassed – Definition and Part of Speech
The word embarrassed primarily functions as an adjective. It describes a feeling or state resulting from being ashamed or self-conscious due to awkwardness or lack of confidence, often in social situations. The verb form is embarrass, meaning “to cause someone to feel embarrassed” or “to make someone uneasy.”
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flustered | A sense of confusion and agitation, often due to embarrassment. | “He was flustered when he tripped in front of his colleagues.” | Informal/Casual |
| Chagrined | Embarrassment mixed with disappointment or dissatisfaction. | “She felt chagrined after realizing her mistake during the presentation.” | Formal |
| Ashamed | A deeper sense of embarrassment stemming from guilt or moral wrongdoing. | “He was ashamed of his behavior at the meeting.” | Academic/Formal |
| Abashed | A feeling of being disconcerted or shamed, often with a more subdued nuance than embarrassed. | “She blushed and turned away, abashed by the attention.” | Literary/Creative |
| Awkward | Describes discomfort in a situation that makes one feel embarrassed. | “The awkward silence filled the room after her joke fell flat.” | Informal/Casual |
Usage Notes
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Flustered: This term is often used in everyday conversation to describe someone who is not only embarrassed but also disorganized or confused. It’s particularly common in informal contexts, like describing a friend’s reaction during an unexpected situation.
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Chagrined: Used more formally, this synonym is ideal for academic papers or business communications when discussing scenarios involving both embarrassment and disappointment, such as failing to meet expectations.
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Ashamed: This word carries a stronger moral connotation than embarrassed, making it suitable for contexts where guilt plays a role. It’s often found in academic writing when exploring themes of morality or ethics.
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Abashed: More poetic and less commonly used, this term is fitting for literary works that aim to convey subtle feelings of embarrassment with a touch of shyness or modesty.
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Awkward: This synonym highlights the social discomfort aspect of being embarrassed. It’s versatile for both casual dialogue and creative writing when describing situations where things don’t go as smoothly as intended.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake is using “embarrassed” interchangeably with synonyms that carry different connotations, such as “ashamed,” which implies guilt or wrongdoing rather than mere social discomfort. Additionally, the past tense form of embarrass is often misspelled as embarassed, though both are considered correct; however, embarrassed remains the more prevalent spelling.
Final Recap
In summary, while “embarrassed” and its synonyms like “flustered,” “chagrined,” “ashamed,” “abashed,” and “awkward” all describe feelings of discomfort in social situations, each carries distinct nuances. Understanding these subtle differences enhances your ability to choose the most precise word for any given context.
Encourage readers to practice using these words in writing or conversation to become more comfortable with their appropriate contexts and connotations. By expanding vocabulary through practical application, you gain greater confidence and clarity in communication.