Read along with the three podcasts, or open the full dictionary entry for Shame for the definition, Arabic meaning, synonyms and example sentences.
Narrator: Today's word is "Shame" — noun, pronounced /ʃeɪm/, with the stress on "shame".
Narrator: Shame is an unhappy feeling you have when you know you have done something wrong or embarrassing.
Narrator: In plain English, it is feeling bad about yourself.
Narrator: It comes from Old English sceamu.
Narrator: A common collocation is "what a shame", which means what a pity.
Narrator: It differs from "guilt", because guilt is about an action, while shame is about how you see yourself.
Narrator: In a second sense, "shame on you" is a telling-off.
Narrator: Psychology, parenting, literature and everyday speech all rely on the word.
Narrator: So remember: shame can mean a hurt feeling, or simply a pity.
Speaker A: The concert's cancelled!
Speaker B: What a SHAME! From Old English sceamu.
Speaker A: Rain?
Speaker B: Storm warnings.
Speaker A: Example sentences?
Speaker B: "It's a shame you can't come", regret. "He felt shame for lying", feelings. "Shame on you!", a telling-off.
Speaker A: Common mistakes?
Speaker B: "What a shame" means what a pity; it is not always about guilt.
Speaker A: Close relatives?
Speaker B: Guilt is its cousin, embarrassment its twin, and pity an alternative — yet shame keeps its heavy weight!
Speaker B: Let's use "shame" in AI prompts — useful for wellbeing support and polite messages.
Speaker A: How for wellbeing?
Speaker B: Gentle support.
Prompt: Write a gentle journal prompt to help someone work through feelings of shame.
Speaker A: And messages?
Speaker B: Polite regret.
Prompt: Write a message saying it is a shame we cannot meet this week and suggesting next week.
Speaker A: Could it help moderation?
Speaker B: Yes, for bullying.
Prompt: Flag comments that publicly shame other users.
Speaker A: One more?
Speaker B: Parenting.
Prompt: Suggest ways to correct a child without using shame.
Shame — meaning in Arabic & definition More S courses GL Dictionary