Embarasment or Embarrassment – Which is Correct?
So, you’re writing an important email, and suddenly a doubt pops into your head. Is it “embarasment” or “embarrassment”? It’s a common confusion, and many native English speakers make this mistake too. But fear not! and an IELTS tutor, I’m here to clear this up for you once and for all.
The correct spelling is “embarrassment.” Yes, it might seem counterintuitive, but “embarrassment” is the standard English spelling that is recognized globally. The mistake of writing “embarasment” is a common one, likely due to the pronunciation of the word.
To understand why “embarrassment” is the correct spelling, let’s break it down phonetically. The word is pronounced as “em-BA-ruhs-ment,” with the primary emphasis on the “ba” syllable. Notice how the double “r” sound comes after the “ba” sound, not the “em” sound. This is the key to understanding the correct spelling.
Let’s also consider the etymology of the word. “Embarrassment” derives from the French word “embarrasser,” meaning “to block” or “obstruct.” It first appeared in the English language in the 17th century, and its spelling hasn’t changed since then. So, we can see that the word has a rich history, and has been consistently written as “embarrassment” for centuries.
Now, we all learn through examples. So, let me provide you with a few sentences that demonstrate the correct usage of “embarrassment”:
1. I felt a wave of embarrassment wash over me as I tripped and fell in front of everyone.
2. She blushed with embarrassment when her phone rang loudly during the important meeting.
3. The comedian’s joke fell flat, resulting in a moment of awkward embarrassment for everyone in the audience.
4. The mispronunciation of a word often leads to embarrassment in a public speaking setting.
As you can see from these examples, “embarrassment” is used to describe feelings of shame, awkwardness, or discomfort in various situations. It is a versatile word that is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.
Now, let’s address the common misspelling of “embarasment.” This error likely stems from the belief that the double “r” sound in pronunciation should be reflected in the spelling. However, English is full of quirks and inconsistencies, and “embarrassment” is one such example.
Consider this analogy: just because the word “colonel” is pronounced as “kernal” doesn’t mean we should change its spelling to “kernal.” We adhere to the established spelling conventions in the English language, and “embarrassment” is no exception.
In conclusion, “embarrassment” is the correct spelling that you should use in your writing. Remember to focus on the phonetic breakdown of the word and its etymology to reinforce this knowledge. So, go ahead and confidently write your emails, essays, and other documents without worrying about this common mistake. You’ll be a step ahead in mastering the English language.