What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shame
Example
He felt shame for lying to his parents. [shame: noun]
Example
She was ashamed of her behavior at the party. [ashamed: adjective]
indignity
Example
The way he was treated by his boss was an indignity. [indignity: noun]
Example
She felt indignant at the way she was spoken to. [indignant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shame is more commonly used than indignity in everyday language. Shame is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while indignity is less common and typically used in more formal or serious situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shame and indignity?
Indignity is generally considered more formal and serious than shame. It is often used in legal or political contexts to describe situations that violate human rights or dignity. Shame, on the other hand, can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
