shame
/ʃeɪm/- 1.
A painful feeling when you think you have done something wrong or embarrassing. It can also mean a bad feeling about yourself or a situation.
- He felt shame after lying to his parents.
- She spoke about the incident with shame.
- 2.
A situation or fact that is embarrassing, bad, or disappointing. This use often shows strong disapproval or regret.
- It's a shame that the meeting was cancelled.
- What a shame you couldn't come.
To make someone feel ashamed or embarrassed. This use is less common in everyday speech.
- Don't shame him for making a mistake.
- She was shamed by the public comments.
Adinary Nuance
Shame is stronger and more painful than embarrassment. Use embarrassment for a small social mistake; use shame for a deeper feeling of guilt, disgrace, or moral hurt. It is also different from guilt: guilt focuses on what you did, while shame often feels personal, as if you are bad. In phrases like "What a shame," the word is softer and means regret, not deep moral shame.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- xấu hổ
- Spanish
- vergüenza
- Chinese
- 羞耻
- Japanese
- 恥
- Korean
- 수치심
Etymology
Shame comes from Old English "sceamu," meaning a feeling of disgrace or embarrassment. It has been used in English since before the 12th century.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is shame the same as embarrassment?
- No. Embarrassment is usually lighter and more social. Shame feels deeper and more painful.
- What does 'What a shame' mean?
- It means something is disappointing or unfortunate. It does not usually mean deep shame or guilt.
- Is 'shame' formal or informal?
- It is common in both speaking and writing. The phrase 'What a shame' is very natural in everyday English.
- Can 'shame' be a verb?
- Yes, but it is less common. It means to make someone feel ashamed.