self-abasement: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “self-abasement” mean?
The act of deliberately lowering or degrading oneself, often by apologising excessively, admitting inferiority, or acting in a servile manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of deliberately lowering or degrading oneself, often by apologising excessively, admitting inferiority, or acting in a servile manner.
A psychological or spiritual state where one actively humiliates themselves, often motivated by feelings of guilt, shame, a desire for forgiveness, or a belief in one's own unworthiness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling, pronunciation, or meaning differences. Usage is similarly formal and literary in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it often carries negative connotations of unhealthy, excessive, or servile humility. In religious contexts, it can be viewed more neutrally or positively as an act of piety.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both UK and US English; more common in literary, psychological, theological, or formal critical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “self-abasement” in a Sentence
[Subject]'s self-abasement before/in front of [Person/Entity][Subject] engaged in self-abasementVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-abasement” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He abased himself before the king.
- She would constantly abase herself in front of her critics.
American English
- He abased himself before the committee.
- She refused to abase herself for the approval of others.
adverb
British English
- He bowed self-abasingly before the shrine.
- She spoke self-abasingly of her own achievements.
American English
- He groveled self-abasingly at his boss's feet.
- She self-abasingly attributed all success to her team.
adjective
British English
- Her self-abasing apology was uncomfortable to watch.
- He has a self-abasing manner when dealing with authority.
American English
- Her self-abasing behavior was seen as a sign of poor boundaries.
- The cult demanded a self-abasing loyalty from its members.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in critical discussions about toxic workplace cultures where employees are expected to show excessive deference.
Academic
Used in psychology, theology, literary criticism, and cultural studies to analyse behaviour, religious practice, or character motivation.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Might be used descriptively in serious discussions about relationships or behaviour.
Technical
In clinical psychology, can describe a maladaptive coping mechanism or a symptom of certain personality structures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-abasement”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-abasement”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-abasement”
- Misspelling as 'self-abasment' or 'self-abasemment'.
- Confusing it with general low self-confidence, which is a state, not necessarily a deliberate act.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. In many religious and spiritual traditions, acts of self-abasement (like prostration or confession) are seen as virtuous forms of humility and surrender to a higher power. However, in secular and psychological contexts, it is often viewed negatively as harmful to self-esteem.
Humility is a genuine, often quiet, lack of arrogance or pride. Self-abasement is typically a more active, demonstrative, and often excessive act of self-lowering. Humility is generally seen as a strength; self-abasement can be a sign of weakness or dysfunction.
No, 'self-abasement' is exclusively a noun. The related verb is 'to abase' (oneself). For example: 'He abased himself' not 'He self-abased'.
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. You will encounter it mostly in literature, academic texts, or formal discourse. In everyday conversation, people would use phrases like 'putting yourself down,' 'being too hard on yourself,' or 'groveling.'
The act of deliberately lowering or degrading oneself, often by apologising excessively, admitting inferiority, or acting in a servile manner.
Self-abasement is usually formal in register.
Self-abasement: in British English it is pronounced /ˌself əˈbeɪs.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌself əˈbeɪs.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'abase' meaning to lower in rank or esteem. 'Self-abasement' is doing that to YOURSELF.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL/WORTH IS HEIGHT. Self-abasement is consciously moving oneself downwards on this vertical scale.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates 'self-abasement'?