What is humiliating? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of humiliating in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of humiliating

humiliatingadjective

nhục nhã

/hjuːˈmɪlieɪtɪŋ//hjuːˈmɪlieɪtɪŋ/

Where does the word humiliating come from?

"Humiliating" comes from the Latin word "humiliare," meaning "to bring low" or "to make humble." This, in turn, derives from "humus," meaning "earth" or "ground." The original sense of "humiliare" was to bring someone down to the level of the earth, signifying a loss of pride and dignity. Over time, the meaning shifted to emphasize the feeling of being demeaned or belittled, leading to the modern sense of "humiliating," which implies causing someone to experience shame or embarrassment.

Vocabulary summary humiliating

typeadjective

meaninghumiliate

Example of vocabulary humiliatingnamespace

  • The teacher's reaction to my answer was incredibly humiliating as I stumbled over my words and couldn't quite remember the correct answer.
  • The boss's reprimand in front of the entire team was humiliating, leaving me feeling incredibly small and inferior.
  • Seeing my family's disappointed looks after my failure at a crucial sporting event was humiliating and left me feeling embarrassed and ashamed.
  • Being caught in a lie by my partner was one of the most humiliating experiences I've ever had to endure.
  • The unexpected wardrobe malfunction during a public speaking event left me feeling utterly humiliated and red-faced.

Synonyms and related words for humiliating

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