Reading Theme:
Embarrass: Definition, Examples & Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：make someone feel awkward (embarrass)
embarrass
/ɪmˈbɛrəs/
vt.
To make someone feel shy, awkward, or ashamed in front of other people, often because of something silly or unexpected.
make someone feel awkward
➕
/meɪk ˈsʌmwʌn fiːl ˈɔːkwərd/
vt.
To cause a person to feel self-conscious, uncomfortable, or ashamed in a social situation, often due to an unforeseen or foolish event.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From French 'embarrasser', from em- ('in') + barre ('bar, obstacle').
💡 Mnemonic
Em + bar + rass: Imagine a bar (barre) blocking your path, making you feel awkward in front of others.
📖 Example
I didn't mean to embarrass you when I told everyone about your secret talent for singing in the shower.
I didn't mean to embarrass you when I told everyone about your secret talent for singing in the shower.
🔗 Collocations
embarrass someone in public – to cause someone to feel ashamed in front of others
feel embarrassed – to experience shame or awkwardness
embarrass oneself – to do something that makes oneself feel foolish or ashamed
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
embarrassed (adj.) – Feeling ashamed, awkward, or self-conscious.
embarrassing (adj.) – Causing a feeling of embarrassment.
embarrassment (n.) – The state of being embarrassed; a feeling of shame or awkwardness.
📖 Cultural Story
Originated from Spanish 'embarazar' meaning 'to block', from Latin 'barra' (bar). In 17th-century French, it evolved to mean 'to cause confusion or awkwardness'.
Meaning 2：make someone feel ashamed of wrongdoing (embarrass)
embarrass
/ɪmˈbɛrəs/
vt.
To make someone feel ashamed and uncomfortable about themselves because they have done something wrong or feel inadequate.
make someone feel ashamed of wrongdoing
➕
/meɪk ˈsʌmwʌn fiːl əˈʃeɪmd əv ˈrɒŋˌduːɪŋ/
vt.
To cause a person to experience shame and discomfort about their own actions, often because they recognize a fault or inadequacy.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The student's honest confession about cheating deeply embarrassed him, but it also made him determined to study harder.
The student's honest confession about cheating deeply embarrassed him, but it also made him determined to study harder.
🔗 Collocations
deeply embarrassed – extremely ashamed or awkward
embarrass someone by – to cause someone to feel ashamed because of something
feel embarrassed about – to experience shame or regret regarding a particular action
🔄 Synonyms
shame (vt.) – To cause someone to feel a painful sense of guilt or dishonor.
discomfit (vt.) – To cause someone to feel uneasy, embarrassed, or disconcerted.
disconcert (vt.) – To disturb the composure of someone; to unsettle or embarrass.
🚫 Antonyms
proud (adj.) – Feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one's own achievements.
comfortable (adj.) – Physically or mentally at ease; free from worry or embarrassment.
confident (adj.) – Feeling sure of oneself and one's abilities; self-assured.
🌱 Derivatives
embarrassed (adj.) – Feeling ashamed, awkward, or self-conscious.
embarrassing (adj.) – Causing a feeling of embarrassment.
embarrassment (n.) – The state of being embarrassed; a feeling of shame or awkwardness.
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