What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mortify
Example
I was mortified when I realized I had food stuck in my teeth during the entire meeting. [mortified: past tense]
Example
Her parents' behavior mortified her in front of her friends. [mortify: verb]
shame
Example
He felt a deep sense of shame for cheating on the exam. [shame: noun]
Example
The company was shamed into changing their unethical practices after a public outcry. [shamed: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shame is more commonly used than mortify in everyday language and covers a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mortify and shame?
Mortify is more formal than shame and is often used in more serious or professional contexts.
