Abashed vs. Embarrassed — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 9, 2024
Abashed involves feeling disconcerted or ashamed because of a loss of composure or confidence, while embarrassed pertains to feeling awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed, usually due to a socially awkward situation.
Difference Between Abashed and Embarrassed
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Abashed captures a moment where one's confidence is suddenly diminished, often because of an unexpected event or realization that causes one to feel ashamed or lose one's composure. It's a profound feeling that touches on the core of one's self-assurance. Whereas embarrassed is more about the discomfort and awkwardness felt in social situations, which might not necessarily shake one's self-esteem deeply but causes a temporary sense of shame or self-consciousness.
While abashed often stems from an internal reaction to one’s actions or failures, reflecting a deep-seated feeling of shame or loss of dignity, embarrassed usually results from external circumstances or the presence of others, leading to a feeling of being exposed or judged.
Being abashed might lead to introspection or a reassessment of one’s behavior or values because it can highlight a misalignment between one’s actions and one’s self-image. On the other hand, being embarrassed often involves a more immediate, surface-level response to a specific incident that may be forgotten or laughed off over time.
Abashment can occur even in solitude, triggered by a personal realization or reflection, without the need for an audience to witness the event that led to this feeling. Conversely, embarrassment typically involves an audience, whether real or perceived, and is closely tied to social norms and expectations.
While the sensation of being abashed is generally more intense and may have a lasting impact on how one views oneself or one's actions, the feeling of embarrassment is often more fleeting and tied to the specific context or social setting in which it occurs.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Feeling ashamed or losing confidence.
Feeling awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed.
Trigger
Internal reflection or realization.
External situations, often social.
Impact on Self-Image
Can prompt deep introspection.
Typically a surface-level discomfort.
Relation to Audience
Can occur in solitude.
Usually requires an audience.
Duration and Intensity
More intense, potentially long-lasting.
Often fleeting, tied to a specific incident.
Compare with Definitions
Abashed
Feeling deeply ashamed or embarrassed.
He was abashed by his failure to remember his lines on stage.
Embarrassed
Feeling awkward or ashamed in social situations.
She was embarrassed when she tripped in front of everyone.
Abashed
Affects confidence and self-assurance.
His abashed silence spoke volumes after the public reprimand.
Embarrassed
Often related to minor social gaffes.
I was so embarrassed by my phone ringing during the ceremony.
Abashed
Can occur without an audience.
Reading his old diary entries left him feeling abashed at his former naivety.
Embarrassed
Self-consciousness due to perceived social judgment.
He felt embarrassed for wearing the wrong outfit to the party.
Abashed
Loss of composure due to self-realization.
She was abashed after realizing her mistake in the argument.
Embarrassed
Can lead to blushing or a desire to hide.
Her face turned red with embarrassment when her joke fell flat.
Abashed
Leads to introspection.
The critique from his mentor left him abashed and reflective.
Embarrassed
Typically involves an audience.
The accidental email sent to all coworkers left him feeling deeply embarrassed.
Abashed
To make ashamed or uneasy; disconcert.
Embarrassed
To cause to feel self-conscious or ill at ease; disconcert
Meeting adults embarrassed the shy child.
Abashed
Embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.
Embarrassed
To hinder with obstacles or difficulties; impede
"an ambitious raid meant to embarrass his supply line by burning the bridges" (William Marvel).
Abashed
Simple past tense and past participle of abash
Embarrassed
(Archaic) To involve in or hamper with financial difficulties
The company was embarrassed and had to mortgage its properties.
Abashed
Feeling or caused to feel uneasy and self-conscious;
Felt abashed at the extravagant praise
Chagrined at the poor sales of his book
Was embarrassed by her child's tantrums
Embarrassed
Having a feeling of shameful discomfort.
After returning from the pool, Aleshia felt significantly better, though she was still slightly embarrassed.
Embarrassed
(archaic) Impeded; obstructed.
Embarrassed
Simple past tense and past participle of embarrass
Embarrassed
Feeling uneasily or unpleasantly self-conscious due to some event or circumstance; as, she was embarrassed by her child's tantrums.
Embarrassed
Feeling inferior or unworthy and hence unpleasantly self-conscious; as, too embarrassed to say hello to his drunken father on the street.
Embarrassed
Feeling or caused to feel uneasy and self-conscious;
Felt abashed at the extravagant praise
Chagrined at the poor sales of his book
Was embarrassed by her child's tantrums
Embarrassed
Caused to feel self-conscious and uncomfortable;
Was discomfited by the personal questions
The child felt embarrassed by the attention of the adults
Embarrassed
Made to feel uncomfortable because of shame or wounded pride;
Too embarrassed to say hello to his drunken father on the street
Humiliated that his wife had to go out to work
Felt mortified by the comparison with her sister
Common Curiosities
Is it possible to feel embarrassed without an audience?
Generally, embarrassment involves an audience, either real or imagined; however, one might feel embarrassed alone by anticipating social judgment.
How can one recover from feeling abashed or embarrassed?
Acknowledging feelings, learning from the experience, and sometimes apologizing or making amends can help one move past abashment or embarrassment.
What causes someone to feel abashed?
Feeling abashed is often caused by a sudden loss of confidence or composure, usually due to a personal realization of a mistake or flaw.
Is there a way to become less susceptible to feeling embarrassed?
Building confidence, developing a sense of humor about oneself, and focusing on the big picture can reduce the impact of embarrassing situations.
How does embarrassment differ from shame?
Embarrassment is typically a milder, more temporary feeling related to social situations, whereas shame is a deeper, more pervasive feeling related to one's sense of self and moral worth.
Can abashment be a positive experience?
While uncomfortable, abashment can lead to positive growth and self-reflection, helping individuals align their actions with their values.
How do children learn about embarrassment?
Children learn about embarrassment through social interactions and cultural cues, developing an understanding of social norms and expectations.
Why do social norms affect feelings of embarrassment?
Social norms dictate acceptable behavior, and deviations from these norms can lead to feelings of embarrassment due to perceived social judgment.
Can the intensity of these feelings vary between individuals?
Yes, sensitivity to abashment and embarrassment varies widely among individuals, influenced by personality, cultural background, and personal values.
Does everyone experience abashment and embarrassment in the same way?
No, individual experiences of abashment and embarrassment are shaped by personal, cultural, and situational factors.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
