The word "shamefacedly" is spelled with two common spelling patterns: "shame" is spelled with the letter "a" followed by the letter "e," and "face" is spelled with the letter "a" followed by the letter "c." The ending "edly" is spelled with the letters "e," "d," and "l," representing the sounds / ɪd /, /l/, and /i/. In phonetic transcription, "shamefacedly" is spelled /ʃeɪmˈfeɪsədli/. The word means to act in a way that shows shame or embarrassment.
Shamefacedly is an adverb that describes an action or behavior characterized by feelings of embarrassment, guilt, or shame. It is derived from the adjective "shamefaced," which denotes a person who displays obvious signs of shame or guilt.
When someone behaves shamefacedly, they typically exhibit a noticeable or visible expression that conveys feelings of remorse or self-consciousness. This expression can be seen in lowered eyes, blushing, or averted gaze, indicating their awareness of their wrongdoing or a situation that brings them embarrassment.
The term is often used to describe individuals who feel ashamed or guilty about their actions, particularly when those actions have caused harm, disappointment, or a negative consequence to themselves or others. Someone who has been caught lying, cheating, or engaging in unethical behavior may act shamefacedly when confronted with the truth and their actions are exposed.
Moreover, shamefacedly can also describe a person who displays a general attitude of timidity, shyness, or modesty, often stemming from a lack of self-confidence or a fear of judgment or criticism.
In summary, shamefacedly is an adverb that describes someone's behavior marked by visible signs of embarrassment, guilt, or shame. It is typically associated with individuals who display remorseful expressions due to their own misguided actions or a heightened sense of self-consciousness.
The word "shamefacedly" is derived from the combination of the words "shamefaced" and "-ly".
The term "shamefaced" originates from the Old English word "sceamfæhð", which combines "sceam" (shame) with "fæhð" (hostility). Over time, the meaning of "sceamfæhð" evolved to refer to someone showing a sense of shame or embarrassment.
The addition of the suffix "-ly", which is commonly used to form adverbs in English, transforms "shamefaced" into "shamefacedly", signifying the manner in which an action is performed. Therefore, "shamefacedly" means to do something in a shamefaced or embarrassed manner.