chastened
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈtʃeɪsənd/
KK: /ˈtʃæs.tʃənd/
adjective
Definition
Having been made to feel sorry or regretful, often after being reprimanded or corrected.
Example
After the lecture, he felt chastened and promised to do better in the future.
Conversation
I felt so chastened after my last mistake at work.
It's tough to face those moments, but we all have them.
I guess it's a good reminder to be more careful next time.
Exactly! Learning from our mistakes is what helps us grow.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
subdued
restrained
corrected
Antonyms
unrepentant
unrestrained
defiant
verb
Definition
To have been made to feel sorry or regretful for something wrong that was done, often as a form of correction or discipline.
Example
After his mistake, he felt chastened and promised to do better next time.
Tense Forms
Past: chastened
Past Participle: chastened
Conversation
I felt really chastened after I realized I was wrong about the situation.
It happens to the best of us; we all make mistakes sometimes.
Yeah, I just wish I had listened to you earlier.
Root Explanation
Chastened → It is formed from "chasten" (from Old French *chastier*, meaning to punish or correct) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past participle). The word "chastened" means having been corrected or disciplined, often in a way that leads to a more humble or subdued state.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'corrected' or 'disciplined' — that's what 'chastened' means, as it comes from the idea of being made better through punishment.
Visually Confused Words
unchastened
unhastened
christened
hastener
hasten