shamelessly

UK: ˈʃeɪmləsli | US: ˈʃeɪmləsli

Definition

  1. adv. without shame or embarrassment; boldly or immodestly

Structure
shame <disgrace>less <without>ly <adverb suffix>
Etymology

The word "shamelessly" is built from three morphemes:

  1. "Shame" (Old English scamu) refers to a feeling of guilt or dishonor.
  2. The suffix "-less" (Old English -lēas) negates the root, meaning "without."
  3. The adverbial suffix "-ly" (Old English -līce) turns the adjective "shameless" into an adverb.
    The progression from "shame" to "shamelessly" reflects a logical shift from the concept of disgrace to the bold absence of it, culminating in an adverb describing audacious behavior.
Examples

  1. He shamelessly took credit for her work.

  2. She laughed shamelessly at her own joke.

  3. The politician shamelessly ignored the scandal.

  4. They shamelessly flaunted their wealth.

  5. The tabloid shamelessly exaggerated the story.