Synonym for "mortified"

Core Synonyms (Emphasis on shame and embarrassment):

• Humiliated: This is a strong synonym, emphasizing the public or visible nature of the shame.
• Embarrassed: This is a more general term for feeling ashamed and uncomfortable.
• Ashamed: Focuses on the feeling of guilt or wrongdoing that accompanies the embarrassment.

Synonyms with Added Emphasis:

• Chagrined: Suggests a feeling of vexation and disappointment at having been proven wrong or inadequate.
• Disconcerted: Implies a feeling of unease and confusion, often disrupting one's composure.
• Abashed: Similar to embarrassed, but can suggest a more subdued or humbled feeling.
• Mortified to the core: This intensifies the feeling, emphasizing the depth of the shame.

Synonyms with Slightly Different Focus:

• Disgraced: Suggests a loss of honor or reputation, often due to a serious transgression.
• Discredited: Similar to disgraced, but focuses on the loss of credibility or trust.
• Humbled: Implies a lowering of pride or arrogance, often after a humbling experience. (This can be a positive outcome of mortification).

Informal Synonyms:

• Cringed: A more modern, informal term for feeling intense embarrassment, often on behalf of someone else.
• Red-faced: Highlights the physical manifestation of embarrassment.

Which word to choose?

• Use humiliated if the shame was public or witnessed by others.
• Use embarrassed for a general feeling of shame and discomfort.
• Use ashamed if guilt is a significant component of the feeling.
• Use chagrined if the embarrassment is mixed with disappointment or vexation.
• Use disconcerted if the embarrassment caused confusion or loss of composure.
• Use abashed for a more subdued or humbled feeling.
• Use disgraced or discredited if reputation is significantly damaged.
• Use cringed for a more informal context, often relating to vicarious embarrassment.

Example:

• "I was mortified when I tripped and spilled coffee all over the boss." (Embarrassed, publicly)
• "She felt humiliated after her mistake was pointed out in the meeting." (Public shame)
• "He was ashamed of his behavior." (Guilt)
• "I cringed when I saw him singing karaoke so badly." (Vicarious embarrassment)

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By Jerry Ramonyai