What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humiliation
Example
The public humiliation was too much for him to bear. [humiliation: noun]
Example
She felt humiliated when her boss scolded her in front of her colleagues. [humiliated: past participle]
shame
Example
He felt a deep sense of shame for lying to his parents. [shame: noun]
Example
She was ashamed of her behavior at the party last night. [ashamed: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shame is more commonly used than humiliation in everyday language. Shame is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while humiliation is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between humiliation and shame?
Both humiliation and shame are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as psychology, counseling, or legal proceedings.
