abashed
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈbæʃt/
KK: /əˈbæʃt/
adjective
Definition
Feeling embarrassed or ashamed about something.
Example
She felt abashed after making a mistake in front of her peers.
Conversation
I felt so abashed when I tripped in front of everyone.
Oh no! That sounds embarrassing!
Yeah, I couldn't believe it happened in the middle of the presentation.
Don't worry, everyone has those moments — you'll laugh about it later!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ashamed
embarrassed
disconcerted
Antonyms
proud
unashamed
confident
verb
Definition
To feel embarrassed or ashamed, often due to a mistake or awkward situation.
Example
She felt abashed after realizing her mistake in front of the class.
Tense Forms
Past: abashed
Past Participle: abashed
Conversation
I felt so abashed when I tripped in front of everyone.
Oh no! That’s always embarrassing.
Yeah, I couldn't believe I did that during the presentation.
Root Explanation
Abashed originates from the Old French 'abaisser' (meaning to lower) and the prefix 'a-' (meaning to). The word describes the state of being lowered in dignity or self-esteem, often due to embarrassment or shame.
Memory Tip
Imagine feeling 'lowered' in confidence when you are embarrassed — that's what it means to be abashed.
Visually Confused Words
unabashed
based
unabased
caboshed
babished
abatised
abaissed