The word "abashed" is spelled as a-b-a-s-h-e-d. It is pronounced /əˈbæʃt/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The stress falls on the second syllable, which is pronounced as "bash". The word means feeling embarrassed, shame or disconcerted. It is often used to describe someone who feels unease due to a social faux pas or an unexpected situation. Accurate spelling of this word is important to convey the intended meaning of the text.
The term "abashed" refers to a state of experiencing embarrassment, unease, or self-consciousness, often resulting from feeling humiliated, perturbed, or disappointed in oneself. When an individual is abashed, they feel their pride or dignity has been diminished, leading to shyness, awkwardness, or a loss of confidence.
The feeling of being abashed typically arises in response to a particular situation or event that has caused humiliation, shame, or discomfort. It can stem from making a mistake in public, being caught in an embarrassing situation, receiving criticism or mockery, or feeling inferior by the presence of others. Abashed individuals often blush, look down, or exhibit other physical cues of distress as a result of their embarrassment.
The term "abashed" can also be used to describe actions or behaviors that reflect embarrassment or uneasiness. For instance, someone may speak abashedly, displaying hesitancy, stammering, or avoiding eye contact. Similarly, individuals may carry themselves in an abashed manner by showing signs of modesty, submissiveness, or a desire to blend into the background.
In summary, "abashed" describes the emotional and behavioral response to feelings of humiliation, leading to a state of self-consciousness, unease, and a diminished sense of self-esteem. It represents the temporary loss of composure or confidence that can occur when our actions, appearance, or circumstances are deemed embarrassing or humbling.
Confounded; put to silence.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "abashed" has its origins in the Middle English term "abaschen", which came from the Old French word "esbahiss-" (stem of esbahier). "Esbahier" meant "to surprise" or "to amaze". The Old French word was formed by combining "es-" (a variant of the intensive prefix "ex-" meaning "out") and "bahier" ("to yawn" or "to gape"). Therefore, "abashed" originally meant "to cause to gape out in astonishment" or "to astonish". Over time, the meaning of the word shifted to its current sense of feeling embarrassed, ashamed, or disconcerted.