How Do You Spell SHAME?

Pronunciation: [ʃˈe͡ɪm] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "shame" is straightforward, but its pronunciation can be a bit tricky. It is often pronounced as /ʃeɪm/ (shaym), instead of the expected /ʃæm/ (sham). This is because of the phonetic rule called the "silent e" or the "magic e." The letter "e" at the end of the word changes the vowel sound of the letter "a" from /æ/ to /eɪ/. This rule applies to many other words such as "rate," "tile," and "ripe," to name a few.

SHAME Meaning and Definition

  1. Shame is a complex emotional experience that typically arises as a result of one's own actions, behavior, or beliefs being perceived as wrong, immoral, or socially unacceptable. It is a deeply uncomfortable and painful feeling that often involves a sense of self-disapproval and a desire to hide or avoid scrutiny. Shame can stem from both internal factors, such as personal values and cultural norms, as well as external factors, such as societal expectations and social judgments.

    In terms of its psychological and physiological effects, shame often brings about feelings of guilt, embarrassment, inadequacy, and a diminished sense of self-worth. It can manifest as a powerful force that influences one's thoughts, behaviors, and reactions, leading to a withdrawal from social interactions, self-isolation, and even self-destructive tendencies.

    Shame can vary in intensity, duration, and impact depending on the individual and the context in which it occurs. It may be experienced in response to minor transgressions or mistakes, or it can be a pervasive emotion resulting from deeply ingrained beliefs or traumatic experiences. Moreover, shame can be passed down through generations and become embedded in cultural norms and practices.

    While shame can serve as a moral compass, guiding individuals towards behavior that aligns with societal norms and values, excessive or chronic shame can be detrimental to one's mental and emotional well-being. Overcoming shame often requires self-reflection, self-compassion, acceptance, and engaging in processes such as therapy or support groups that enable individuals to confront and heal from past experiences or beliefs that contribute to their shame.

  2. • The uneasy sensation of mind produced by a consciousness of guilt or loss of reputation; the pain or emotion arising from the thought of another person beholding us, or something connected with us, with contempt, indignation, or disgust; that which brings reproach, and degrades in the estimation of others; reproach; dishonour; disgrace.
    • To fill with shame; to cause to blush.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for SHAME *

* 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.

Other Common Misspellings for SHAME

Etymology of SHAME

The word "shame" originated from the Old English word "scamu", which is also related to the Old High German word "scamu" and the Old Norse word "skǫmm". These Germanic words all share the same Proto-Germanic root "skamô", which means "shame" or "disgrace". The similar term "shame" also exists in other Germanic languages like Dutch, German, and Swedish.

Idioms with the word SHAME

  • it's a crying shame The idiom "it's a crying shame" is used to express deep disappointment or sadness about a particular situation or occurrence. It implies that the situation or event is so unfortunate or regrettable that it can evoke a strong emotional response, often prompting someone to feel sorrowful or even shed tears.
  • put sm to shame The idiom "put someone to shame" means to outdo or surpass someone to such an extent that it embarrasses or humiliates them. It implies showing superior skill, achievement, or expertise compared to others.
  • hide face in shame The idiom "hide face in shame" is used to describe an individual's intense embarrassment or guilt, causing them to cover or hide their face as a physical manifestation of their emotional distress. It implies that the person feels a deep need to conceal their expression or identity due to the shame they are experiencing.
  • die of shame The idiom "die of shame" refers to feeling extreme embarrassment or humiliation, to an extent that it is as if one's self-esteem or social reputation has been fatally wounded or destroyed. It expresses the notion that the shame is so intense that it feels as if it could lead to one's physical demise. It is often used figuratively to emphasize the severity of someone's embarrassment.
  • put sb to shame The idiom "put someone to shame" means to do something in a way that makes someone else feel embarrassed or inadequate in comparison. It usually implies that the action or achievement of one person is so impressive or commendable that it highlights the shortcomings or lack of effort of another person.
  • hide one's face in shame The idiom "hide one's face in shame" means to feel intense embarrassment or guilt about something one has done or said, resulting in a desire to conceal one's face or identity from others as a sign of remorse or humiliation.
  • a crying shame The idiom "a crying shame" is used to describe a situation or event that is considered very unfortunate, regrettable, or disappointing. It suggests that it is so horrific that it elicits sadness or outrage, often implying that it deserves to be lamented or criticized.
  • put somebody/something to shame The idiom "put somebody/something to shame" means to far surpass or outperform someone or something to such an extent that it makes them feel embarrassed or inferior. It is usually used when someone's actions or achievements make others look inadequate or inferior in comparison.
  • For shame! The idiom "For shame!" is an expression used to express disapproval or moral indignation towards someone's behavior or actions. It signifies a call for someone to feel ashamed or embarrassed about what they have done.
  • name and shame The idiom "name and shame" typically refers to the act of publicly revealing the identity of someone or something involved in wrongdoing or unethical behavior in order to expose or hold them accountable. It involves making the misconduct or questionable actions known and often involves negative public attention or a loss of reputation for the individuals or entities involved.
  • shame on you The idiom "shame on you" is an expression used to express disappointment or disapproval towards someone's behavior or actions, suggesting that they should feel ashamed or guilty for what they have done. It is a way of reprimanding or criticizing someone for their wrongdoing.
  • Tell the truth and shame the devil. The idiom "Tell the truth and shame the devil" means to speak or reveal the truth, even if it may cause embarrassment or difficulties for someone involved or implicated in a dishonest or deceitful act. The phrase emphasizes the importance of being truthful and exposing deception, regardless of the consequences.
  • Fool me once, shame on you fool me twice, shame on me. The idiom "Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me" is a cautionary saying that conveys the idea that if someone is tricked or deceived once, they should place the blame on the deceiver. However, if they are deceived for a second time by the same person or fall into the same trap again, the fault lies with themselves for not learning from their previous experience and being fooled again. It emphasizes the importance of being cautious and learning from past mistakes to avoid being deceived repeatedly.
  • crying shame The idiom "crying shame" refers to a situation or event that is deeply regrettable, disappointing, or unfair. It is often used to express a feeling of strong disapproval or sadness regarding an unfortunate circumstance.
  • be a crying shame The idiom "be a crying shame" is used to express strong disapproval, disappointment, or sadness about a situation or event. It highlights a feeling that something is deeply wrong, unjust, or unfortunate.
  • shame of it (all) The idiom "shame of it (all)" refers to a feeling of disappointment, regret, or despair about a particular situation or outcome. It conveys a sense of moral or ethical failure and emphasizes the negative or detrimental aspects of the situation, often implying that it is a source of shame or embarrassment.
  • shame on you, him, etc. The idiom "shame on you/him/etc." is an expression used to convey disapproval, disappointment, or rebuke to someone for their actions or behavior, with an emphasis on the feeling of shame or guilt. It is often deployed to morally admonish someone by suggesting that they should be ashamed of themselves for what they have done.
  • put to shame The idiom "put to shame" means to surpass or outperform someone or something to such an extent that it highlights their inadequacy or embarrassment. It suggests making someone appear inferior or inadequate in comparison.
  • shame on The idiom "shame on" typically implies a moral judgment or criticism towards someone's actions or behavior. It is used to express disappointment, disapproval, or condemnation towards an individual or group. It suggests that one should feel ashamed or guilty for their actions.
  • a dirty shame The idiom "a dirty shame" refers to a situation or action that is unfortunate, disgraceful, or highly regrettable. It can imply a sense of disappointment or sadness about something that has happened, often involving immoral, indecent, or embarrassing behavior.
  • crying shame, a A "crying shame" is a phrase used to express strong disapproval or sadness about something, especially when it seems unfair or unjust. It typically refers to a situation or action that is considered regrettable, unfortunate, or disappointing.

Similar spelling words for SHAME

Plural form of SHAME is SHAMES

Conjugate verb Shame

CONDITIONAL

I would shame
you would shame
he/she/it would shame
we would shame
they would shame

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be shaming
you would be shaming
he/she/it would be shaming
we would be shaming
they would be shaming

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have shame
you would have shame
he/she/it would have shame
we would have shame
they would have shame

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been shaming
you would have been shaming
he/she/it would have been shaming
we would have been shaming
they would have been shaming

FUTURE

I will shame
you will shame
he/she/it will shame
we will shame
they will shame

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be shaming
you will be shaming
he/she/it will be shaming
we will be shaming
they will be shaming

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have shamed
you will have shamed
he/she/it will have shamed
we will have shamed
they will have shamed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been shaming
you will have been shaming
he/she/it will have been shaming
we will have been shaming
they will have been shaming

IMPERATIVE

you shame
we let´s shame

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to shame

PAST

I shamed
you shamed
he/she/it shamed
we shamed
they shamed

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was shaming
you were shaming
he/she/it was shaming
we were shaming
they were shaming

PAST PARTICIPLE

shamed

PAST PERFECT

I had shamed
you had shamed
he/she/it had shamed
we had shamed
they had shamed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been shaming
you had been shaming
he/she/it had been shaming
we had been shaming
they had been shaming

PRESENT

I shame
you shame
he/she/it shames
we shame
they shame

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am shaming
you are shaming
he/she/it is shaming
we are shaming
they are shaming

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

shaming

PRESENT PERFECT

I have shamed
you have shamed
he/she/it has shamed
we have shamed
they have shamed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been shaming
you have been shaming
he/she/it has been shaming
we have been shaming
they have been shaming
I would have shamed
we would have shamed
you would have shamed
he/she/it would have shamed
they would have shamed

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