What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
abashed
Example
He was abashed when he realized he had been talking to the wrong person all night. [abashed: adjective]
Example
She felt abashed when she realized she had forgotten her lines during the play. [abashed: verb]
ashamed
Example
I am ashamed of my behavior last night. [ashamed: adjective]
Example
She was ashamed of herself for lying to her parents. [ashamed: preposition]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ashamed is more commonly used than abashed in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts. Abashed is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between abashed and ashamed?
Abashed is generally considered more formal or literary than ashamed, which is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
