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עברית
השפלה — meaning in English: humiliation
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the lowland / the plain
קרוב
karov
לסדר
lesader
לזכר
lezekher
לגזע
legeza
השפלה
hashfela
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neutral
common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word השפלה (hashfela) in contexts involving personal experiences of shame or embarrassment, such as recounting a moment of public humiliation. It may arise in discussions about social dynamics, psychological experiences, or in literature that explores themes of vulnerability and dignity.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for השפלה (hashfela) is בושה (bushah), which translates to 'shame.' While both words convey a sense of discomfort, השפלה specifically emphasizes the act of being humiliated, often in front of others, whereas בושה can refer to a more general feeling of shame without the public aspect.
Culture
The word השפלה (hashfela) has roots in the Hebrew verb השפיל (hashpil), meaning 'to lower' or 'to bring down.' This etymology reflects the deep cultural significance of humility and social status in Jewish history, where public honor was often tied to community roles and personal dignity. Interestingly, the concept of humiliation is often explored in Jewish texts, emphasizing the moral lessons learned from such experiences.
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