self-reproach

/'selfri'proutʃ/

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Word: Self-Reproach

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Self-reproach is the feeling of blaming yourself for something you did or didn't do. It often involves deep regret about your actions, especially if you believe you have done something wrong.

Explanation:

When someone feels self-reproach, they might think they should have acted differently. This feeling can happen after making a mistake, hurting someone, or failing to meet your own expectations. It’s like your inner voice telling you that you could have done better.

Usage Instructions:

• Self-reproach is used when talking about feelings of guilt or disappointment in oneself.
• It can often be associated with reflecting on past actions and wishing you had made different choices.

Example Sentence:

• After forgetting her friend’s birthday, Maria felt a strong sense of self-reproach for not being a better friend.

Advanced Usage:

• In literature, characters may experience self-reproach to illustrate their internal struggles and moral dilemmas. For example, a character may reflect on their past decisions and feel self-reproach for choices that led to negative consequences.

Word Variants:

• Self-reproachful (adjective): Describing someone who feels or expresses self-reproach.
  • Example: He had a self-reproachful attitude after missing the deadline.
• Self-reproaching (adjective): Related to the act of blaming oneself.
  • Example: Her self-reproaching thoughts kept her awake at night.

Different Meanings:

• The term generally focuses on the negative feelings one has towards oneself, emphasizing regret and blame. It does not usually have positive connotations.

Synonyms:

• Guilt
• Regret
• Remorse
• Contrition
• Shame

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Be hard on oneself": This idiom means to be self-critical or to judge oneself harshly.

  • Example: After the argument, she was really hard on herself for losing her temper.

• "Kick oneself": This phrase means to feel regret or self-reproach about something one has done.

  • Example: I kicked myself for forgetting to bring my notes to the meeting.

Summary:

Self-reproach is a feeling of blame and regret directed at oneself, often resulting from mistakes or perceived failures.

Academic

Noun

1. the act of blaming yourself
2. a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)

Synonyms

• self-reproof
• compunction
• remorse