abashed

Abashed is an adjective that describes a feeling of embarrassment or shame. When someone is abashed, they often feel disconcerted or humbled by a situation or their own actions. This feeling can arise from being caught doing something wrong, receiving unexpected praise or criticism, or encountering a situation that makes them feel awkward or out of place. The sensation of being abashed can manifest physically as blushing, stammering, or avoiding eye contact. It suggests a temporary loss of self-possession due to a realization of one's own shortcomings or an unexpected social dynamic.

The word "abashed" is typically used to describe a reaction to a specific event or circumstance. For instance, a student might feel abashed after giving an incorrect answer in class, or an artist might feel abashed when their work is met with unexpected acclaim. The feeling is generally not a deep-seated personality trait but rather a transient emotional response. It implies a recognition that one has fallen short of an expectation, whether external or self-imposed. The opposite of being abashed would be feeling confident, unashamed, or self-assured.