Embarrass vs. Embarass – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is embarrass, with a double ‘r’ and a double ‘s’. The spelling “embarass” is a common misspelling, often due to phonetic confusion where the double consonants are not distinctly pronounced. Always remember the two ‘r’s and two ‘s’s to ensure accuracy in your writing.
Embarrass or Embarass – Which is Correct?
The definitive correct spelling is embarrass. The alternative, “embarass,” is a frequent misspelling and is not recognized as a valid word in standard English. This error often stems from the subtle pronunciation of the double ‘r’ and double ‘s’ sounds, leading writers to omit one of the letters.
The root cause of this confusion is often phonetic. When spoken, the double letters in “embarrass” (the ‘rr’ and ‘ss’) can sound like single letters, especially in rapid speech. This can lead to uncertainty when writing, causing people to inadvertently drop one of the consonants.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the correct spelling of embarrass, think of it this way: when you’re embarrassed, you might feel really red and super shy. The “really red” can remind you of the two R’s, and “super shy” can remind you of the two S’s. So, embarrass has RR and SS.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embarrass | Verb | To cause (someone) to feel awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed. | His unexpected question will embarrass her at the meeting. |
| Embarass | Incorrect Spelling | Not a valid word in standard English. | (Incorrect spelling, avoid use) |
How to Use Embarrass
The word embarrass is primarily used as a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. It describes the act of causing someone to feel awkward, ashamed, or self-conscious. While it can be used in both formal and casual contexts, it always conveys a sense of discomfort or humiliation. It’s often associated with public situations or social faux pas.
Example 1: The speaker’s microphone malfunctioned, threatening to embarrass him during his crucial presentation.
Example 2: She tried to avoid any topic that might embarrass her shy friend at the party.
Example 3: His lack of preparation for the exam began to embarrass him as he struggled with every question.
What are the different forms of Embarrass?
As a regular verb, embarrass follows standard conjugation rules. It also has related noun and adjective forms:
- Present Tense: embarrass (I embarrass), embarrasses (he/she/it embarrasses)
- Present Participle: embarrassing (The situation is embarrassing.)
- Past Tense: embarrassed (He was embarrassed.)
- Past Participle: embarrassed (She has embarrassed herself.)
- Noun Form: embarrassment (His embarrassment was evident.)
- Adjective Forms: embarrassing (causing embarrassment), embarrassed (feeling embarrassment)
Etymology of the word Embarrass
The word embarrass has a rich linguistic history, tracing its roots back to the 17th century. It entered English from the French verb embarrasser, which meant “to hinder, block, or entangle.” The French word, in turn, derived from the Spanish embarazar, meaning “to impede, block, or make pregnant.” The original sense of being “blocked” or “impeded” evolved over time to the more modern meaning of causing someone to feel awkward or constrained in a social sense.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader linguistic concepts can help clarify why certain spellings, like “embarrass,” are correct and why misspellings occur.
- Double Consonants: Many English words feature double consonants (e.g., ‘ll’, ‘mm’, ‘nn’, ‘pp’, ‘rr’, ‘ss’). These often indicate a short vowel sound preceding them or are simply part of the word’s etymology. Misspellings frequently arise when one of the double consonants is omitted due to phonetic ambiguity.
- Phonetic Spelling Errors: These errors occur when a word is spelled exactly as it sounds, rather than adhering to its conventional orthography. “Embarass” is a classic example, as the double ‘r’ and ‘s’ sounds can be subtle, leading people to spell it with single letters.
Examples from Media and Literature
Observing the correct spelling of embarrass in various contexts helps solidify its usage.
- “It would embarrass me to admit how many times I’ve watched that movie,” she confessed, blushing slightly.
- The unexpected question from the journalist threatened to embarrass the politician on live television.
- In Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Mrs. Bennet often manages to embarrass her daughters with her social blunders.
- “The company’s recent data breach will certainly embarrass its CEO and damage its reputation,” reported the financial news outlet.
- He wished the ground would open up and swallow him, so great was his embarrassment at tripping in front of everyone.
Embarrass Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Mortify | To cause (someone) to feel deeply ashamed or humiliated. |
| Humiliate | To make (someone) feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and self-respect. |
| Discomfit | To make (someone) feel uneasy or embarrassed. |
| Abash | To make (someone) feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How can I remember the correct spelling of “embarrass”?
A: A good mnemonic is to remember that an embarrassing situation often makes you feel really red (two R’s) and super shy (two S’s). So, double ‘r’ and double ‘s’.
Question 2: Is “embarassment” a word?
A: No, “embarassment” is also a common misspelling of the noun form. The correct spelling is embarrassment, maintaining the double ‘r’ and double ‘s’ from the verb.
Question 3: What’s the difference between “embarrassed” and “embarrassing”?
A: “Embarrassed” is an adjective used to describe someone who feels shame or awkwardness (e.g., “He felt embarrassed”). “Embarrassing” is an adjective used to describe something that causes shame or awkwardness (e.g., “It was an embarrassing situation”).
Conclusion
In the debate between “embarrass” and “embarass,” the correct and only accepted spelling is embarrass, featuring both a double ‘r’ and a double ‘s’. The alternative spelling is a common error often stemming from phonetic misinterpretation. By remembering simple tricks, like associating the double consonants with the feeling of being “really red and super shy,” you can consistently use this word correctly in your writing.
Pro Tip: Consistent and accurate spelling, especially for commonly confused words, significantly enhances your professional credibility and the clarity of your communication.
