Basic Details
Word: Embarrass
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To cause someone to feel shy or self-conscious.
Synonyms: Mortify, humiliate, shame
Antonyms: Comfort, encourage, uplift
Idioms and Phrases
- Embarrassed to death: Feeling extremely embarrassed. Example: "I was embarrassed to death when I tripped in front of the whole class."
- To save face: To avoid being embarrassed or to preserve one's dignity. Example: "He tried to save face by laughing off the mistake he made during the presentation."
Usage Examples
Example 1: She felt embarrassed when everyone turned to look at her after she accidentally dropped her lunch tray.
Example 2: It can be embarrassing to say the wrong name during a speech in front of many people.
Example 3: He didn't want to embarrass his friend by telling the funny story about the time she fell in the pool.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "embarrass" comes from the Spanish word "embarazar," which means to hinder or obstruct? It evolved to mean causing someone to feel self-conscious or shy in English!
Famous Quote
"It is better to be embarrassed than to be ignorant." African Proverb
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "embarrass" mean?
a) To help someone
b) To cause someone to feel shy or self-conscious
c) To make someone happy
d) To encourage someone
Answer: b) To cause someone to feel shy or self-conscious
2. Which of these is a synonym of "embarrass"?
a) Uplift
b) Mortify
c) Comfort
d) Encourage
Answer: b) Mortify
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "embarrass"?
a) Humiliate
b) Comfort
c) Shame
d) Mortify
Answer: b) Comfort
4. Which sentence uses "embarrass" correctly?
a) She tried to embarrass her with a heartfelt compliment.
b) He felt embarrassed when he forgot his lines in the play.
c) He wanted to embarrass the puppy with love.
d) She will embarrass tomorrow at the picnic.
Answer: b) He felt embarrassed when he forgot his lines in the play.
5. What does the idiom "to save face" mean?
a) To tell a funny story
b) To avoid being embarrassed
c) To look in a mirror
d) To laugh out loud
Answer: b) To avoid being embarrassed
