# abashedly

CEFR C1 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abashedly
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

in a way that shows you feel embarrassed or ashamed about something you did. You might look at the floor or speak quietly when you act this way.

For teachers: in a manner characterized by embarrassment, shame, or a lack of self-confidence. Often used to describe a person's reaction after being caught in a mistake or a social blunder.

## Examples

- He smiled abashedly after realizing he was in the wrong room.
- When the teacher pointed out the obvious error on the board, the student abashedly corrected his work while the class watched.
- She stood abashedly before the committee, her quiet voice and downcast eyes betraying the deep regret she felt for the oversight that had compromised the entire project's timeline.

## Usage notes

- Typically follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause to describe the subject's emotional state.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.