While both "embarrass" and "humiliate" describe negative feelings, there's a key distinction. Embarrassment is a feeling of mild discomfort or shame, often caused by a minor social awkwardness. Humiliation, on the other hand, is a far more intense feeling of shame and degradation, often caused by a public display of failure or inadequacy. Embarrassment is usually temporary, whereas humiliation can have a lasting impact on someone's self-esteem.

Think of it this way: you might feel embarrassed if you accidentally spill your drink on someone. This is a minor social faux pas. However, you might feel humiliated if you give a terrible presentation in front of the entire school and everyone laughs at you. This is a more significant and potentially damaging experience.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference:

• Embarrass: "I was embarrassed when I tripped and fell in front of my crush." (Meaning: I felt a mild sense of shame and discomfort.)

• Humiliate: "He was humiliated when the teacher publicly criticized his work in front of the class." (Meaning: He felt a strong sense of shame and degradation.)

• Embarrass: "Spilling my coffee on my teacher embarrassed me." (Meaning: The action caused me a feeling of mild shame.)

• Humiliate: "Being forced to sing karaoke in front of everyone humiliated me." (Meaning: The action caused me a profound sense of shame and degradation.)

The intensity of the negative feeling is the main difference. Embarrassment is a fleeting feeling, while humiliation can be a much deeper and more lasting experience.

Happy learning!