be humiliated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be humiliated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a state of experiencing shame or embarrassment, often in a social context. Example: "He didn't want to be humiliated in front of his peers during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

The end of Stuart's exertions is that he'll be humiliated — he'll be humiliated long before the end, in fact.

Los Angeles Times

He would be humiliated".

The New Yorker

Esther would not be humiliated.

The New Yorker

They were to be humiliated.

Independent

It will also be humiliated.

The Economist

She will never be humiliated.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

That would be humiliating.

The New Yorker

That would be "humiliating".

The New York Times

Actually, she was humiliated.

The Economist

"We have been humiliated.

Independent

Gosse was humiliated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be humiliated" when you want to emphasize the act of someone or something causing another to feel a loss of dignity and self-respect in a social context.

Common error

Avoid using "humiliate" when you intend to convey genuine empathy or understanding; the phrase often carries a tone of detachment or even slight schadenfreude. Instead, consider using words like 'embarrassed' or 'chagrined' to express a more sympathetic perspective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be humiliated" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject is the recipient of the action, experiencing the state of being made to feel ashamed or foolish. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, describing a state of experiencing shame or embarrassment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be humiliated" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase used to describe the experience of having one's dignity or self-respect injured. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, followed by Wiki and Science. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to consider the context to ensure appropriate and sensitive usage. Related phrases such as "feel ashamed" and "lose face" offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments, with slight variations in emphasis. Remember to use "be humiliated" when you want to emphasize the act of someone or something causing another to feel a loss of dignity and self-respect, and avoid it when expressing empathy, as it can come across as detached.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel ashamed

Focuses on the internal emotional state of shame, rather than the external act of humiliation.

experience embarrassment

Emphasizes the feeling of awkwardness or discomfort in a social situation.

lose face

Highlights the social aspect of humiliation, referring to a loss of reputation or standing.

suffer indignity

Stresses the violation of one's dignity or self-respect.

be degraded

Implies a reduction in status or moral character.

be demeaned

Focuses on being lowered in dignity or social standing.

be disgraced

Indicates a loss of honor or reputation due to a shameful act.

be mortified

Suggests intense embarrassment and shame.

be humbled

Emphasizes a lowering of pride or arrogance, not necessarily negative.

eat crow

An idiomatic expression for being forced to admit one's mistakes or be proven wrong in a humiliating way.

FAQs

How can I use "be humiliated" in a sentence?

You can use "be humiliated" to describe a situation where someone experiences a loss of dignity or self-respect. For example: "He didn't want to "be humiliated" in front of his colleagues."

What's the difference between "be humiliated" and "be embarrassed"?

"Be humiliated" implies a deeper sense of shame and loss of dignity, often in a public context, while "be embarrassed" suggests a milder feeling of awkwardness or discomfort.

Are there situations where it's inappropriate to use "be humiliated"?

Yes, using "be humiliated" might be inappropriate if you are trying to express sympathy or understanding, as it can sound detached or insensitive. In those cases, consider using alternatives like "feel ashamed" or "experience embarrassment".

What are some synonyms for "be humiliated"?

Some synonyms for "be humiliated" include "lose face", "suffer indignity", "be degraded", or "be demeaned", each conveying a slightly different nuance of shame or loss of dignity.