Word: chagrin

Associations

Chagrin is a feeling of disappointment or embarrassment. It often happens when something doesn't go as you planned.

• For example, you might feel chagrin if you trip and fall in front of many people. It can make you feel embarrassed.
• Another example is feeling chagrin when you realize you made a silly mistake in a test. You might feel frustrated with yourself.
• Lastly, if a friend wins a competition that you wanted to win, you might feel chagrin because you wanted to succeed instead.

A synonym for chagrin is "embarrassment". The difference is that chagrin often includes a sense of disappointment and frustration, while embarrassment can just be about feeling awkward or ashamed.

Substitution

• Instead of "chagrin," you could use "disappointment." This word focuses more on not meeting expectations rather than the embarrassment.
• Alternatively, you might say "regret." This word suggests a longing to change the past, which is different from the feeling of embarrassment in chagrin.
• You could also use "mortification," which has a stronger feeling of shame, but it may not include the disappointment aspect.

Deconstruction

The word "chagrin" comes from the French word "chagrin," which means "sorrow" or "sadness." This can help you understand that the feeling it describes is tied to a sad or disappointing event.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you felt chagrin? What happened?
• How did you handle that feeling?
• In what situations do you think people commonly feel chagrin?