What is the Difference Between Ashamed and Embarrassed?

The main difference between "ashamed" and "embarrassed" lies in the nature of the feelings involved:

• Ashamed: This term refers to a feeling of guilt, remorse, or regret after having done something immoral or wrong. It is a deeper feeling that comes from within and is often associated with personal actions or choices that a person feels sorry for. For example, "He is ashamed of lying to his friends".
• Embarrassed: This term refers to a feeling of fear or discomfort due to the judgment or opinions of others. It is often temporary and mild, and can be associated with actions that might seem silly or accidental. For example, "She was embarrassed after tripping on the stage".

While both words refer to someone's emotions, they cannot be used interchangeably, as they represent different emotional states.

Comparative Table: Ashamed vs Embarrassed

The difference between "ashamed" and "embarrassed" lies in the nature of the emotions they describe:

• Ashamed: This term is used when someone feels guilty or sorry about something they have done that is morally or socially wrong. The feeling of shame is often associated with moral wrongdoing, such as lying, cheating, or stealing. The person may feel sad, unworthy, or disgraced, and the harm to their dignity and honor depends on the seriousness of the act.

• Embarrassed: This term is used when someone feels self-conscious or uncomfortable with themselves in front of others, usually due to a socially unacceptable action or a personal condition being revealed. The person may blush, sweat, or feel anxiety as a reaction, and the harm, breaking a social code, is usually temporary and minor.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between "ashamed" and "embarrassed":

In summary, "ashamed" refers to a deeper sense of guilt or regret about something morally or socially wrong, while "embarrassed" refers to a temporary feeling of self-consciousness or discomfort in front of others due to a socially unacceptable action or revealed personal condition.