stigma
B2Formal, Academic, Medical/Social Sciences
Definition
Meaning
A mark or sign of disgrace, shame, or strong social disapproval associated with a particular characteristic or circumstance.
In botany, the part of a pistil that receives pollen; in medicine, a mark or characteristic of a disease or physical disorder.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an uncountable noun when referring to social disapproval, but plural 'stigmas' is used in botany (flower parts) or for multiple physical marks. The plural 'stigmata' refers specifically to marks resembling the wounds of Christ.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the same botanical and social senses.
Connotations
Identical negative social connotation in both variants.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in social policy contexts, but broadly equal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
There is a stigma associated with + NPto be stigmatised for + NP/V-ingthe stigma of + NPVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To bear the stigma (of something)”
- “To be a stigma on someone/something”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rarely used. Could refer to a 'stigma' attached to a failed company or product.
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, medicine (e.g., 'the stigma of mental illness', 'HIV-related stigma').
Everyday
Used in discussions of social issues (e.g., 'the stigma of unemployment').
Technical
In botany: the stigma of a flower. In medicine: physical stigmata of disease.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Her family was stigmatised by the scandal.
- Campaigns aim to destigmatise addiction.
American English
- He felt stigmatized for his political beliefs.
- We need to stigmatize hate speech, not the victims.
adverb
British English
- He spoke stigmatisingly about his opponents.
- (Note: Very rare and stylistically marked)
American English
- The article described the community stigmatizingly.
- (Note: Very rare and stylistically marked)
adjective
British English
- She faced stigmatising attitudes from her colleagues.
- Destigmatising language is important in healthcare.
American English
- The stigmatizing policies created a hostile environment.
- Stigmatized groups often lack legal protection.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the past, there was a stigma about being divorced.
- Many people still feel a stigma attached to seeing a therapist.
- The government launched a campaign to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
- Despite legislative progress, the pervasive social stigma continues to deter individuals from disclosing their HIV status.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STICKY mark (STIG-ma) on someone that everyone sees as shameful and can't be washed off.
Conceptual Metaphor
STIGMA IS A PHYSICAL MARK/BRAND (e.g., 'she was branded with the stigma of poverty').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'стигма' (which is a direct loanword) or 'стигматы' (stigmata). The common Russian word 'клеймо' (brand/mark) is a closer conceptual match for the social sense.
Common Mistakes
- Using plural 'stigmas' for the uncountable social concept (wrong: 'There are many stigmas'). Correct: 'There is a lot of stigma.'
- Confusing 'stigma' with 'stimulus' or 'stigma' with 'dogma'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'stigma' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For the social concept, it is usually uncountable. For multiple flower parts or physical marks, 'stigmas' is correct. 'Stigmata' is a specialised religious term.
In its primary social sense, yes, it denotes disgrace. Its botanical and medical senses are neutral technical terms.
A 'taboo' is a strong social prohibition ('taboo to discuss'). 'Stigma' is the resulting shame or disgrace attached to someone who violates or possesses a stigmatised characteristic.
Not directly. The related verb is 'stigmatise' (UK) / 'stigmatize' (US), meaning 'to describe or regard as worthy of disgrace.'