Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ɪmˈbær.ə.smənt/ (American English)

/ɪmˈbær.əs.mənt/ (British English)

Definitions

• A feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness.
• A situation that causes someone to feel uncomfortable or humiliated.
• A person or thing causing discomfort or shame.

Usage Examples

• "She turned red with embarrassment when she tripped on stage."
• "His constant mistakes were a source of embarrassment to the company."

Etymology

Derived from French "embarrasser" (to hinder, obstruct, or make awkward). The noun "embarrassment" first appeared in English in the 17th century, referring to difficulty or awkwardness.

Synonyms

• Humiliation
• Shame
• Discomfort
• Awkwardness
• Mortification

Antonyms

• Confidence
• Ease
• Assurance
• Composure

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, the second syllable is pronounced with a soft "ə" sound, while in British English, the "r" sound is often more pronounced.

Historical Usage

The term was initially used in the sense of financial difficulty before evolving to describe social awkwardness or discomfort.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, embarrassment is associated with social etiquette, modesty, or politeness. Some cultures emphasize avoiding embarrassment, while others use humor to cope with it.

More Information

Psychologists note that embarrassment serves an important role in maintaining social harmony by signaling remorse or awareness of a social mistake. It can also enhance likability when people acknowledge their own errors.