The word embarrassed is spelled with two sets of double letters - "rr" and "ss", which can make it a tricky word to spell. The phonetic transcription for this word is /ɪmˈbærəst/, with the stress on the second syllable (/bær/). The "em" at the beginning is pronounced like "im", while the second syllable contains the short vowel sound /æ/ followed by a single "r" sound. The final syllable contains the double "ss" sound in the middle and ends with a "t" sound.
The term "embarrassed" is an adjective that describes a state of self-consciousness and discomfort resulting from what is perceived as a socially awkward or humiliating situation. It is a cognitive and emotional response to being caught off guard or placed in an unfavorable circumstance, often eliciting feelings of shame, chagrin, or mortification.
When someone feels embarrassed, they may experience blushing, stumbling over words, or avoiding eye contact as physical manifestations of their distress. The intensity of embarrassment can range from slight unease to extreme distress, depending on the person and the perceived severity of the situation.
Embarrassment typically arises from being perceived poorly by others due to an action, mistake, or inadequacy. It may arise from a perceived violation of social norms, such as saying something inappropriate or failing to meet certain social expectations. Embarrassment often arises from a fear of judgment or rejection, leading individuals to feel exposed or vulnerable.
The importance of cultural and social context cannot be overlooked when understanding embarrassment, as what causes embarrassment can vary depending on societal norms and individual upbringing. For instance, certain topics or actions that are considered embarrassing in one culture might be entirely acceptable in another.
While embarrassment is often seen as an unpleasant emotion, it does have some social functions. It can serve as a moral signal, promoting socially appropriate behaviors and encouraging individuals to adhere to societal norms. Additionally, it can create a sense of social bonding when others empathize with those who are experiencing embarrassment.
Perplexed; confused.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "embarrassed" has its etymological roots in the French language. It is derived from the French word "embarrasser", which means "to hinder" or "to block". The term "embarrasser" itself comes from the Spanish word "embarazar", meaning "to impede" or "to obstruct". Over time, the meaning of "embarazar" was extended to include the sense of feeling hindered or being in an awkward or uncomfortable situation. It was eventually adopted into English in the mid-17th century, and "embarrassed" came to refer to the feeling of unease, self-consciousness, or shame that arises from being in a socially awkward or compromising position.