Another Word For Shame

Meaning

The word "shame" refers to a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. It can arise from personal shortcomings, societal expectations, or the actions of others. Shame often involves a sense of worthlessness or inadequacy and can affect an individual’s self-esteem.

Synonyms

• Embarrassment
• Guilt
• Disgrace
• Humiliation
• Regret
• Self-consciousness

Antonyms

• Pride
• Honor
• Confidence
• Respect
• Esteem

Etymology

The word "shame" originates from the Old English "sceamu," which means "a feeling of guilt or disgrace." The root can be traced further back to Proto-Germanic "*skaimō," which means "to cover" or "to protect," highlighting the idea of hiding oneself due to feelings of guilt or disgrace.

Examples

1. She felt a deep sense of shame after realizing her mistake during the presentation.
2. The scandal brought shame upon the entire family.
3. It's important to address feelings of shame and work towards self-acceptance.
4. He tried to hide his shame by avoiding eye contact with his peers.
5. The novel explores themes of shame and redemption through its complex characters.