What is embarrassed? Pronunciation and usage in English

embarrassed means . Learn how to pronounce and use embarrassed through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of embarrassed

embarrassedadjective

/ɪmˈbarəst//ɛmˈbarəst/
Definition & pronunciation of embarrassed

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "embarrassed." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables: em-bar-rass-ed

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • em: Sounds like "em" as in "them" (short 'e' sound)
  • bar: Sounds like "bar" as in "barber" (like the 'ar' in "car")
  • rass: This is the trickiest part! It’s pronounced like “raz” but with an “s” sound at the end. Think of it as “razz” but drawn out slightly. The tongue should be lightly touching the roof of your mouth as you make the “z” sound.
  • ed: Sounds like "ed" as in "red" (the past tense suffix).

3. Putting it Together:

So, it's roughly: em - bar - rass - ed (with the "razz" sound in the middle)

4. Audio Resources (Highly Recommended!)

The best way to get the pronunciation right is to hear it. Here are some helpful resources:

Tips for Mastering It:

  • Slow Down: Don't try to say it too fast at first. Break it down syllable by syllable.
  • Focus on the "rass" sound: Spend extra time practicing this part. Really try to get the “z” sound right.
  • Listen and Repeat: Listen to the audio examples repeatedly and try to mimic the sounds.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to the native pronunciation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word embarrassed in English

Let's break down how to use the word "embarrassed." It's a really common word, but it can be tricky to use correctly. Here's a breakdown of its meanings, how to use it in sentences, and some related words:

1. Core Meaning: Feeling Awkward and Self-Conscious

At its heart, "embarrassed" describes a feeling of discomfort, awkwardness, and shame, usually because of something you've done or experienced that makes you feel foolish or exposed.

2. How to Use "Embarrassed" in Sentences:

  • As an adjective (describing a state of being):

    • "I was embarrassed to admit I didn't know the answer." (Describes your feeling)
    • "She looked embarrassed when she tripped and fell." (Describes her appearance/behavior)
    • "He felt embarrassed by his clumsy attempt at dancing." (Describes his feeling)

  • As a verb (describing an action/experience):

    • "I embarrassed myself by saying the wrong thing." (Describes an action that caused the feeling)
    • "She embarrassed him with her silly joke." (Describes an action that caused the feeling)
    • "Don't embarrass yourself by overthinking it." (Describes an action to avoid)

3. Different Levels of Embarrassment:

"Embarrassed" isn’t a single feeling. It exists on a spectrum:

  • Mildly Embarrassed: A small blush, a quickened heartbeat, a feeling of wanting to hide. “I was mildly embarrassed when I spilled my coffee.”
  • Moderately Embarrassed: Feeling self-conscious, wanting to avoid eye contact, feeling a little awkward. “He was embarrassed by the attention he was receiving.”
  • Deeply Embarrassed: Feeling shame, humiliated – a strong desire to disappear. “She was deeply embarrassed after the public incident.”

4. Examples in Context:

  • "I was embarrassed when I accidentally called my boss 'Mom.'"
  • "He blushed and looked embarrassed after dropping his ice cream cone."
  • "She felt embarrassed about her poor performance in the presentation."
  • "Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help!"
  • "The children were embarrassed by the loud noises."

5. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Shame: A stronger feeling of regret and guilt. (You might feel shame about something, but you might just be embarrassed by it.)
  • Humiliated: A very strong form of embarrassment, often involving public exposure.
  • Self-conscious: Aware of how you appear to others and worried about making a bad impression.
  • Awkward: Describes a situation or feeling that is uncomfortable.
  • To blush: A physical reaction to embarrassment.
  • To be mortified: To be extremely embarrassed and upset.

6. Tips for Using It Correctly:

  • Focus on the feeling: "Embarrassed" primarily describes how you feel.
  • Show, don’t just tell: Instead of just saying “I was embarrassed,” describe what made you embarrassed (e.g., “I was embarrassed when I tripped and spilled my drink on the table.”)

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you trying to use “embarrassed” in a specific sentence or situation?
  • Are you wondering about the difference between "embarrassed" and another word, like "shame" or "humiliated"?

Synonyms for the word embarrassed

Practice with vocabulary embarrassed

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. He turned beet red and mumbled an apology, clearly feeling quite ________________ after tripping over the microphone cable during his presentation.
  2. After misrepresenting the company's financial data to the investors, the analyst felt deeply ________________ about the error.
  3. The silence that followed his inappropriate joke made the entire team feel rather ________________.
  4. She felt intensely ________________ when her phone rang loudly during the quietest part of the board meeting.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes how someone might feel after making a significant factual error in a public speech? a) proud b) embarrassed c) delighted d) confident

  2. If you accidentally spilled coffee on your boss during a formal dinner, you would likely feel: a) thrilled b) mortified c) embarrassed d) ecstatic

  3. Before delivering a high-stakes client proposal, it's common to feel a sense of: a) calm b) anxious c) relaxed d) nervous

  4. Someone who blushes easily and avoids speaking in large groups might be described as: a) outgoing b) shy c) timid d) embarrassed

  5. Which word describes feeling intense regret and self-reproach for a wrong action? a) pleased b) ashamed c) content d) relieved

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "embarrassed": He felt a profound sense of shame after forgetting his lines during the company play.
  2. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "embarrassed": The unexpected technical glitch during the CEO's presentation caused a lot of awkwardness.
  3. Rewrite the sentence without using "embarrassed": She felt incredibly bad about her past mistakes in the project and wanted to rectify them.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. embarrassed
  2. ashamed
  3. awkward
  4. embarrassed

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) embarrassed
  2. b) mortified, c) embarrassed
  3. b) anxious, d) nervous
  4. b) shy, c) timid, d) embarrassed
  5. b) ashamed

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He was profoundly embarrassed after forgetting his lines during the company play.
  2. The unexpected technical glitch during the CEO's presentation was quite embarrassing.
  3. She felt incredibly regretful about her past mistakes in the project and wanted to rectify them.

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