French word

vergogne

Pronunciation

IPA/vɛʁgɔɲ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounshame

Example

Il n'a pas de vergogne.

He has no shame.

Illustration for vergogne (shame)

More examples

Il ment sans vergogne.

He lies shamelessly.

Core concept

The self-conscious restraint that keeps a person from exposing a mistake or weakness.

Common phrases

  • sans vergogne

    shamelessly

  • manquer de vergogne

    lack shame

Similar words

honte: Shame from feeling that others disapprove of one's actions or condition.
gêne: A feeling of discomfort and self-consciousness around other people.
culpabilité: A feeling of guilt after accepting responsibility for wrongdoing.
remords: Regret for a past action that causes lasting emotional pain.

Definition in French

Sentiment de honte ou d'embarras qui pousse à cacher ses fautes ou à éviter d'être remarqué.

Word origin

Vergogne is an inherited French form from Old French vergogne, which developed from Latin verecundia, modesty or shame.

Usage tips

  • Vergogne has a literary or formal tone when used alone, so honte or gêne generally fits everyday conversation better.

Opposites

  • impudenceimpudencenoun
  • effronterieeffronterynoun

Word lists with this word