Abashed is a word that is commonly used in everyday language, but not everyone may be familiar with its exact meaning. The word abashed is often used to describe a feeling of embarrassment or shame, but it can also be used to describe a feeling of being intimidated or overwhelmed. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of abashed in more detail.
Definitions
The definition of abashed is to feel ashamed, embarrassed, or disconcerted. It can also mean to feel intimidated or overwhelmed by something or someone. The word abashed is often used to describe a feeling of being uncomfortable or awkward in a social situation.
Origin
The word abashed has its roots in Old English, where it was originally spelled “abaesed.” The word comes from the Middle English word “abaisen,” which means to lower or humble oneself. Over time, the spelling of the word changed to abashed, but its meaning remained the same.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, abashed means to cause to feel ashamed, embarrassed, or disconcerted. The Oxford English Dictionary defines abashed as feeling embarrassed or ashamed. The Cambridge Dictionary defines abashed as feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or shy.
Associations
The word abashed is often associated with feelings of embarrassment, shame, and discomfort. It is also associated with social situations where a person may feel awkward or out of place.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for abashed include embarrassed, ashamed, humiliated, mortified, and chagrined.
Antonyms
Antonyms for abashed include confident, bold, unashamed, and unembarrassed.
The same root words
The root word of abashed is “abase,” which means to lower or humiliate oneself. Other words that share this root include abasement, abject, and abase oneself.
Example Sentences
- When I realized I had been talking to the wrong person, I felt abashed and embarrassed.
- The teacher’s harsh criticism left the student feeling abashed and humiliated.
- The athlete was abashed by the overwhelming support of his fans.
- She was abashed by her lack of knowledge on the subject.
- He was not abashed by his mistake and continued on with confidence.