Shame vs. Ashame — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 29, 2024
Shame is a feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior, while "ashame" is not a standard English word; the correct term is "ashamed," describing the state of feeling shame.
Difference Between Shame and Ashame
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Key Differences
Shame is an intense emotion that encompasses feelings of humiliation, embarrassment, and distress, often arising from the awareness of having done something considered wrong, foolish, or inappropriate. It is a universal emotion, recognized across cultures, that can significantly impact an individual's self-esteem and social interactions. On the other hand, the term "ashame" is frequently mistaken for "ashamed," which is the correct adjective used to describe someone who is experiencing shame. Being ashamed reflects a personal acknowledgment of shame, often tied to specific actions, failures, or situations that contradict one's values or societal norms.
While shame as a noun captures the broad concept of the emotion, the adjective "ashamed" directly applies this feeling to an individual's state of being. Shame might be triggered by external circumstances or the judgment of others, enveloping a person in a sense of disgrace or dishonor. In contrast, feeling ashamed ("ashamed" being the operative term) involves a more introspective realization, where the individual personally identifies with the feelings of shame, regardless of external acknowledgment or exposure. This distinction highlights how shame operates as both an internal and external influence on human behavior and self-perception.
In terms of linguistic usage, "shame" can function as a noun or a verb (e.g., "to shame someone"), encompassing the act of inducing this emotion in others or the state of experiencing it oneself. "Ashamed," however, is strictly an adjective, describing a person's emotional condition. The expression "to feel ashamed" illustrates the personal internalization of shame, signifying a reaction to one's actions or circumstances that are deemed regrettable or ignoble.
Culturally and socially, shame and the state of being ashamed play critical roles in regulating behavior and maintaining social norms. Shame acts as a powerful motivator, influencing individuals to conform to societal expectations or to seek redemption for actions that have led to disgrace. The feeling of being ashamed, when recognized and addressed constructively, can lead to personal growth, empathy development, and deeper understanding of one's values and ethical boundaries.
In essence, while shame represents a broad emotional response to perceived moral or social failures, being ashamed ("ashamed" being the correct term, not "ashame") personalizes this experience, reflecting an individual's confrontation with their actions or identity in light of societal or personal standards.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A feeling of humiliation or distress from awareness of wrong behavior.
The state of feeling shame.
Part of Speech
Noun and verb
Adjective
Trigger
External judgment or internal realization of wrong behavior.
Personal acknowledgment of actions or failures.
Focus
Broad concept of the emotion.
Personal experience and internalization of the emotion.
Social Function
Regulates behavior, maintains social norms.
Motivates personal growth, redemption.
Compare with Definitions
Shame
A distressing emotion caused by consciousness of guilt or folly.
She felt a deep sense of shame after lying to her friend.
Ashame
Involves a sense of personal failure.
She was ashamed that she had not lived up to her own standards.
Shame
To make someone feel ashamed.
The teacher shamed the student in front of the class, which was unnecessary.
Ashame
Feeling shame or guilt about something.
She was ashamed of her actions and sought forgiveness.
Shame
A tool for social regulation.
Societies use shame to enforce norms and values.
Ashame
Can inspire corrective action.
Feeling ashamed, he apologized and tried to make things right.
Shame
Associated with dishonor or disgrace.
The scandal brought shame to the entire community.
Ashame
Tied to specific incidents or behaviors.
He felt ashamed for not standing up for his friend.
Shame
Can lead to positive change.
He used his shame as motivation to improve and make amends.
Ashame
Reflects personal realization.
I’m ashamed to admit I was wrong, but I am.
Shame
Shame is an unpleasant self-conscious emotion typically associated with a negative evaluation of the self; withdrawal motivations; and feelings of distress, exposure, mistrust, powerlessness, and worthlessness.
Ashame
To feel shame; to be ashamed.
Shame
A painful emotion caused by the belief that one is, or is perceived by others to be, inferior or unworthy of affection or respect because of one's actions, thoughts, circumstances, or experiences
Felt shame for having dropped out of school.
Ashame
To make ashamed; to shame.
Shame
Respect for propriety or morality
Have you no shame?.
Ashame
To shame.
Shame
A condition of disgrace or dishonor; ignominy
An act that brought shame on the whole family.
Shame
A regrettable or unfortunate situation
"It was a shame how the place had fallen apart, with tall scorched grass and sagging gutters" (Tom Drury).
Shame
One that brings dishonor, disgrace, or condemnation
"I would ... Forget the shames that you have stained me with" (Shakespeare).
Shame
To cause to feel shame
"expletives that would have shamed a stevedore" (Jeffrey Tayler).
Shame
To cause to feel ashamed to the point of doing something
I was shamed into making an apology.
Shame
To bring dishonor or disgrace on
Behavior that shamed him in the eyes of the community.
Shame
To disgrace by surpassing
Wanted revenge because a rival had shamed him in the previous race.
Shame
Uncomfortable or painful feeling due to recognition or consciousness of one's own impropriety or dishonor, or something being exposed that should have been kept private.
When I realized that I had hurt my friend, I felt deep shame.
The teenager couldn’t bear the shame of introducing his parents.
Shame
Something to regret.
It was a shame not to see the show after driving all that way.
Shame
Reproach incurred or suffered; dishonour; ignominy; derision.
Shame
The cause or reason of shame; that which brings reproach and ignominy.
Shame
That which is shameful and private, especially private parts.
Shame
The capacity to be ashamed, inhibiting one from brazen behaviour; due regard for one's own moral conduct and how one is perceived by others; restraint, moderation, decency.
Don't you have any shame?
Shame
A cry of admonition for the subject of a speech, either to denounce the speaker or to agree with the speaker's denunciation of some person or matter; often used reduplicated, especially in political debates.
Shame
(South Africa) Expressing sympathy.
Shame, you poor thing, you must be cold!
Shame
(transitive) To cause to feel shame.
I was shamed by the teacher's public disapproval.
Shame
(transitive) To cover with reproach or ignominy; to denounce as having done something shameful; to dishonor; to disgrace.
Shame
(transitive) To drive or compel by shame.
The politician was shamed into resigning.
Shame
To feel shame, be ashamed.
Shame
To mock at; to deride.
Shame
A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt or impropriety, or of having done something which injures reputation, or of the exposure of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal.
HIde, for shame,Romans, your grandsires' images,That blush at their degenerate progeny.
Have you no modesty, no maiden shame?
Shame
Reproach incurred or suffered; dishonor; ignominy; derision; contempt.
Ye have borne the shame of the heathen.
Honor and shame from no condition rise.
And every woe a tear can claimExcept an erring sister's shame.
Shame
The cause or reason of shame; that which brings reproach, and degrades a person in the estimation of others; disgrace.
O C sar, what a wounding shame is this!
Guides who are the shame of religion.
Shame
The parts which modesty requires to be covered; the private parts.
Shame
To make ashamed; to excite in (a person) a comsciousness of guilt or impropriety, or of conduct derogatory to reputation; to put to shame.
Were there but one righteous in the world, he would . . . shame the world, and not the world him.
Shame
To cover with reproach or ignominy; to dishonor; to disgrace.
And with foul cowardice his carcass shame.
Shame
To mock at; to deride.
Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor.
Shame
To be ashamed; to feel shame.
I do shameTo think of what a noble strain you are.
Shame
A painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt
Shame
A state of dishonor;
One mistake brought shame to all his family
Suffered the ignominy of being sent to prison
Shame
An unfortunate development;
It's a pity he couldn't do it
Shame
Bring shame or dishonor upon;
He dishonored his family by committing a serious crime
Shame
Compel through a sense of shame;
She shamed him into making amends
Shame
Cause to be ashamed
Shame
Surpass or beat by a wide margin
Common Curiosities
What does "ashamed" mean?
"Ashamed" describes the state of feeling shame or guilt about something, often related to specific actions or failures.
How does shame affect behavior?
Shame can significantly influence behavior by motivating individuals to conform to societal norms or seek redemption for wrongful actions.
Can feeling ashamed be positive?
Yes, feeling ashamed can lead to positive outcomes if it inspires self-reflection, personal growth, and corrective actions.
How are shame and being ashamed different?
"Shame" is the broad emotion related to guilt or disgrace, while being "ashamed" is the personal experience and acknowledgment of that emotion.
What are the social functions of shame?
Shame functions to regulate behavior, maintain social order, and uphold moral and societal norms.
What does "shame" mean?
"Shame" refers to a feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the awareness of wrong or foolish behavior.
Is "ashame" a correct English word?
No, "ashame" is not correct; the accurate term is "ashamed" when referring to the feeling of shame.
How can one cope with feeling ashamed?
Coping with feeling ashamed involves acknowledging the feeling, understanding its roots, taking responsibility for one's actions, and making amends or changes as necessary.
Can shame be used positively?
Yes, when handled constructively, shame can be a catalyst for personal improvement and ethical development.
Why do people feel ashamed?
People feel ashamed when they recognize that their actions or behavior have fallen short of their own or societal standards and values.
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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.
