discomfiture
/dis'kʌmfitʃə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A feeling of anxiety and embarrassment: The state of being disconcerted, uneasy, and self-conscious, often due to a sudden setback, awkward situation, or failure.
Usage
The noun "discomfiture" describes an emotional state of discomfort stemming from embarrassment, confusion, or a sense of being thwarted. It is a formal word often used in written contexts to describe a person's reaction to an awkward or humiliating event.
Examples
- Noun:
- His discomfiture was evident when he forgot his speech in front of the large audience.
- She tried to hide her discomfiture after spilling coffee on the important documents.
- The team's unexpected loss caused great discomfiture among its supporters.
Advanced Usage
- "To someone's discomfiture": causing someone to feel embarrassed or uneasy.
- Much to his discomfiture, the teacher asked him to solve the problem on the board.
- "Sense of discomfiture": a feeling of anxious embarrassment.
- A sense of discomfiture washed over her as she realized her mistake.
Variants and Related Words
- Discomfit (verb): to make someone feel uneasy or embarrassed.
- He was discomfited by the pointed questions from the interviewer.
- Discomfited (adjective): feeling or showing unease or embarrassment.
- She gave a discomfited smile after the awkward introduction.
Synonyms
- Embarrassment: a feeling of self-consciousness, shame, or awkwardness.
- Discomposure: the state of being disturbed or agitated; loss of composure.
- Chagrin: distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated.
- Abashment: a feeling of embarrassment or disconcertment.
Antonyms
- Composure: the state of being calm and in control of one's feelings.
- Poise: graceful and elegant bearing; composure.
- Assurance: confidence or certainty in one's own abilities.
Idioms and Phrases
- To the discomfiture of: resulting in the embarrassment or unease of a particular person or group.
- The plan succeeded, to the discomfiture of its critics.
Noun
- anxious embarrassment