shamefacedness
/'ʃeim,feistnis/
Definition
Noun: 1. The feeling of being embarrassed about oneself: A state of self-conscious distress or humiliation arising from a sense of personal failing, inadequacy, or having done something wrong. It implies a visible or inward sense of shame and a desire to hide. 2. (Archaic/poetic) Modesty, reserve: An old-fashioned or literary sense referring to a state of being bashful, demure, or discreet.
Usage
- Shamefacedness is a formal noun used to describe a person's internal emotional state. It often manifests in physical signs like a downcast gaze, blushing, or reluctance to speak.
- It is typically used in written English or formal speech rather than in casual conversation.
- It can describe a reaction to a specific event or a more general character trait.
Examples
- After being caught in the lie, he could not hide his shamefacedness.
- Her shamefacedness was evident when she had to admit she had forgotten her friend's birthday.
- The child's shamefacedness after breaking the vase moved his parents to comfort him.
Advanced Usage
- "With shamefacedness": As an adverbial phrase describing how an action is done.
- He apologized with great shamefacedness for his earlier outburst.
- "A look/air of shamefacedness": Describing the visible appearance of the feeling.
- She accepted the award with an air of shamefacedness, feeling others deserved it more.
Variants and Related Words
- Shamefaced (adjective): Showing or feeling shame.
- He gave a shamefaced grin.
- Shame (noun): The painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable or improper.
- Embarrassment (noun): A feeling of self-consciousness, confusion, and discomfort.
- Mortification (noun): Great embarrassment and shame.
Synonyms
- Embarrassment
- Sheepishness
- Chagrin
- Abashment
- Humiliation (stronger, implies deeper disgrace)
Antonyms
- Pride
- Shamelessness
- Boldness
- Confidence
Related Idioms and Phrases
- To hang one's head in shame/shamefacedness: To look downward because of feeling ashamed.
- The guilty verdict left him hanging his head in shamefacedness.
- To be red-faced (with shamefacedness): To blush from embarrassment or shame.
- The error in the report left the manager red-faced.
Noun
-
feeling embarrassed about yourself
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