Embarras

/ˌɒmbəˈrɑː/ noun

Definition

An archaic or obsolete term (from French) meaning embarrassment, perplexity, or an awkward situation.

Etymology

From French 'embarras' (difficulty, embarrassment), from 'embarasser' (to hinder, from Spanish 'embarazar'). The word entered English as a borrowed term but is now archaic; it represents a direct French import rather than the anglicized 'embarrassment.'

Kelly Says

The phrase 'embarras de richesse' (an embarrassment of riches—too many good options) is still used in English today, but the standalone English noun 'embarras' has virtually disappeared, showing how borrowed words don't always fully naturalize.

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