Shame vs. Reproach — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 16, 2024
Shame is a deep emotional response to perceived personal failures, while reproach is a form of criticism directed at someone's actions or behavior.
Difference Between Shame and Reproach
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shame is an internal feeling that often stems from guilt, embarrassment, or dishonor, involving a negative evaluation of oneself. Whereas, reproach is externally oriented, typically involving criticism or disapproval expressed by others towards someone's actions.
Shame is more about the emotional impact on one's self-esteem and self-image, whereas reproach involves an admonishment that may or may not lead to feelings of shame in the recipient.
Shame can lead to long-term psychological effects, such as low self-esteem and depression, highlighting its internal and pervasive nature. On the other hand, reproach tends to be more about immediate social or ethical correction and is less likely to impact one's self-worth unless repeatedly encountered.
Shame is often a private experience, deeply personal and hidden from others. In contrast, reproach is usually a public experience, meant to be known and can serve as a deterrent or a lesson to the individual and others.
Shame can be self-generated, without any external input, solely based on personal standards and values. Reproach, however, always originates from external sources, be it individuals, groups, or societal norms.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Emotional
Critical
Source
Internal (self)
External (others)
Focus
Self-perception
Actions or behaviors
Impact
Long-term psychological
Immediate social correction
Visibility
Private
Public
Compare with Definitions
Shame
To cause to feel ashamed.
He shamed her into making an apology.
Reproach
An expression of rebuke or disapproval.
His conduct met with reproach from all sides.
Shame
A painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable done by oneself.
She felt shame after lying to her friend.
Reproach
A cause or occasion of blame or discredit.
Their sloppy work was beyond reproach.
Shame
A condition of humiliating disgrace or disrepute.
He brought shame upon his family with his actions.
Reproach
To bring discredit or blame upon.
He reproached himself for not thinking of a solution sooner.
Shame
Something that brings censure or reproach.
Their neglect of duty is a shame.
Reproach
To address someone with disapproval or disappointment.
The manager reproached the team for missing the deadline.
Shame
To publicly humiliate or cause disgrace.
The scandal shamed the company.
Reproach
To express disapproval or disappointment.
She reproached him for his lack of commitment.
Shame
Shame is an unpleasant self-conscious emotion typically associated with a negative evaluation of the self; withdrawal motivations; and feelings of distress, exposure, mistrust, powerlessness, and worthlessness.
Reproach
To express disapproval of, criticism of, or disappointment in (someone).
Shame
A painful emotion caused by the belief that one is, or is perceived by others to be, inferior or unworthy of affection or respect because of one's actions, thoughts, circumstances, or experiences
Felt shame for having dropped out of school.
Reproach
An expression of blame or disapproval; a rebuke
A column that elicited many reproaches from readers.
Shame
Respect for propriety or morality
Have you no shame?.
Reproach
Blame or disapproval
Frowned in mild reproach of what was said.
Shame
A condition of disgrace or dishonor; ignominy
An act that brought shame on the whole family.
Reproach
One that stands as a rebuke or blame
"His brow commenced to sweat—a reproach to all sluggards and idlers" (Henry David Thoreau).
Shame
A regrettable or unfortunate situation
"It was a shame how the place had fallen apart, with tall scorched grass and sagging gutters" (Tom Drury).
Reproach
A mild rebuke, or an implied criticism.
Shame
One that brings dishonor, disgrace, or condemnation
"I would ... Forget the shames that you have stained me with" (Shakespeare).
Reproach
Disgrace or shame.
Shame
To cause to feel shame
"expletives that would have shamed a stevedore" (Jeffrey Tayler).
Reproach
(countable) An object of scorn.
Shame
To cause to feel ashamed to the point of doing something
I was shamed into making an apology.
Reproach
(transitive) To criticize or rebuke (someone).
Shame
To bring dishonor or disgrace on
Behavior that shamed him in the eyes of the community.
Reproach
(transitive) To disgrace, or bring shame upon.
Shame
To disgrace by surpassing
Wanted revenge because a rival had shamed him in the previous race.
Reproach
To come back to, or come home to, as a matter of blame; to bring shame or disgrace upon; to disgrace.
I thought your marriage fit; else imputation,For that he knew you, might reproach your life.
Shame
Uncomfortable or painful feeling due to recognition or consciousness of one's own impropriety or dishonor, or something being exposed that should have been kept private.
When I realized that I had hurt my friend, I felt deep shame.
The teenager couldn’t bear the shame of introducing his parents.
Reproach
To attribute blame to; to allege something disgraceful against; to charge with a fault; to censure severely or contemptuously; to upbraid.
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ.
That this newcomer, Shame,There sit not, and reproach us as unclean.
Mezentius . . . with his ardor warmedHis fainting friends, reproached their shameful flight.Repelled the victors.
Shame
Something to regret.
It was a shame not to see the show after driving all that way.
Reproach
The act of reproaching; censure mingled with contempt; contumelious or opprobrious language toward any person; abusive reflections; as, severe reproach.
No reproaches even, even when pointed and barbed with the sharpest wit, appeared to give him pain.
Give not thine heritage to reproach.
Shame
Reproach incurred or suffered; dishonour; ignominy; derision.
Reproach
A cause of blame or censure; shame; disgrace.
Shame
The cause or reason of shame; that which brings reproach and ignominy.
Reproach
An object of blame, censure, scorn, or derision.
Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.
Shame
That which is shameful and private, especially private parts.
Reproach
A mild rebuke or criticism;
Words of reproach
Shame
The capacity to be ashamed, inhibiting one from brazen behaviour; due regard for one's own moral conduct and how one is perceived by others; restraint, moderation, decency.
Don't you have any shame?
Reproach
Disgrace or shame;
He brought reproach upon his family
Shame
A cry of admonition for the subject of a speech, either to denounce the speaker or to agree with the speaker's denunciation of some person or matter; often used reduplicated, especially in political debates.
Reproach
Express criticism towards;
The president reproached the general for his irresponsible behavior
Shame
(South Africa) Expressing sympathy.
Shame, you poor thing, you must be cold!
Shame
(transitive) To cause to feel shame.
I was shamed by the teacher's public disapproval.
Shame
(transitive) To cover with reproach or ignominy; to denounce as having done something shameful; to dishonor; to disgrace.
Shame
(transitive) To drive or compel by shame.
The politician was shamed into resigning.
Shame
To feel shame, be ashamed.
Shame
To mock at; to deride.
Shame
A painful sensation excited by a consciousness of guilt or impropriety, or of having done something which injures reputation, or of the exposure of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal.
HIde, for shame,Romans, your grandsires' images,That blush at their degenerate progeny.
Have you no modesty, no maiden shame?
Shame
Reproach incurred or suffered; dishonor; ignominy; derision; contempt.
Ye have borne the shame of the heathen.
Honor and shame from no condition rise.
And every woe a tear can claimExcept an erring sister's shame.
Shame
The cause or reason of shame; that which brings reproach, and degrades a person in the estimation of others; disgrace.
O C sar, what a wounding shame is this!
Guides who are the shame of religion.
Shame
The parts which modesty requires to be covered; the private parts.
Shame
To make ashamed; to excite in (a person) a comsciousness of guilt or impropriety, or of conduct derogatory to reputation; to put to shame.
Were there but one righteous in the world, he would . . . shame the world, and not the world him.
Shame
To cover with reproach or ignominy; to dishonor; to disgrace.
And with foul cowardice his carcass shame.
Shame
To mock at; to deride.
Ye have shamed the counsel of the poor.
Shame
To be ashamed; to feel shame.
I do shameTo think of what a noble strain you are.
Shame
A painful emotion resulting from an awareness of inadequacy or guilt
Shame
A state of dishonor;
One mistake brought shame to all his family
Suffered the ignominy of being sent to prison
Shame
An unfortunate development;
It's a pity he couldn't do it
Shame
Bring shame or dishonor upon;
He dishonored his family by committing a serious crime
Shame
Compel through a sense of shame;
She shamed him into making amends
Shame
Cause to be ashamed
Shame
Surpass or beat by a wide margin
Common Curiosities
Can reproach lead to shame?
Yes, reproach can lead to shame if the criticism significantly affects one’s self-perception.
Is reproach always negative?
While usually negative, reproach can be constructive if it leads to positive change.
Can shame occur without external influence?
Yes, shame can arise internally without any external influence.
What is the usual intent behind reproaching someone?
The intent is often to correct or highlight unacceptable behavior.
What is the primary emotion involved in shame?
Shame primarily involves feelings of guilt and self-disgust.
What roles do guilt and embarrassment play in shame?
Guilt and embarrassment are common triggers and components of the feeling of shame.
How does reproach manifest in interactions?
Reproach typically manifests as verbal criticism or disapproval in social interactions.
How do shame and reproach differ in terms of impact?
Shame affects personal feelings and self-image, while reproach aims at correcting specific behaviors.
Can one experience shame without doing something wrong?
Yes, people can feel shame due to imposed standards even if they haven’t done anything wrong.
Is shame a public or private experience?
Shame is typically a private experience.
How do societal values affect the experience of shame?
Societal values heavily influence what is considered shameful.
Does reproach always come from someone in authority?
No, anyone can express reproach, though it often comes from a figure of authority.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
