discomfiture
Translation
discomfiture, embarrassment, awkwardness, defeat
Examples
He felt a sense of discomfiture.
He felt a sense of discomfiture.
To his discomfiture, he dropped his notes.
To his discomfiture, he dropped his notes.
Grammar Patterns
a sense of discomfiture a feeling of embarrassment He felt a sense of discomfiture.
to (sb.'s) discomfiture causing (sb.) to feel embarrassed To his discomfiture, he dropped his notes.
Similar Words
Synonyms: embarrassment, awkwardness, confusion; Antonyms: composure, ease, comfort
Etymology
From Old French 'desconfiture' (defeat). 'dis-' (negation) + 'comfit' (to prepare). Literally, an 'un-doing' or 'defeating'.
Memory Tips
It's a stronger, more formal word for embarrassment. Imagine being 'dis-comforted' to the point of total confusion.