stigma
Stigma (noun) means a mark of shame or disgrace attached to a person, group, or condition. Example: “There is still a stigma attached to seeking help for mental health.”
How to use stigma
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA feeling of shame society attaches to something, or (in biology) the part of a flower that catches pollen.
The plural for the social-disgrace sense is usually "stigmas"; the plural "stigmata" is reserved for the marks resembling Christ's wounds.
Word forms
stigmata plural, stigmas plural, stigmas plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There is still a _____ attached to seeking help for mental health.
Etymology
From Greek stigma, "a mark made by a pointed instrument" — originally a brand burned into the skin of slaves or criminals.
Related words
Rhymes for stigma
See all rhymes for stigma →Frequently asked questions
What does “stigma” mean?
The word “stigma” means a mark of shame or disgrace attached to a person, group, or condition. In plain terms, a feeling of shame society attaches to something, or (in biology) the part of a flower that catches pollen.
How do you pronounce “stigma”?
“Stigma” is pronounced STIHG-muh (/ˈstɪɡmə/ in IPA).
How do you use “stigma” in a sentence?
Here is “stigma” used in a sentence: “There is still a stigma attached to seeking help for mental health.”
What part of speech is “stigma”?
“Stigma” is a noun.
Where does the word “stigma” come from?
The word “stigma” comes from Greek. From Greek stigma, "a mark made by a pointed instrument" — originally a brand burned into the skin of slaves or criminals.
Is “stigma” a common word?
“Stigma” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “stigma” have?
“Stigma” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a mark of shame or disgrace attached to a person, group, or condition.
What is the difference between "stigma" and "shame"?
"Stigma" is a mark of disgrace that society attaches to a person, group, or condition, while "shame" is the internal emotional feeling an individual experiences, often as a result of that stigma.
Is "stigma" always negative?
In its social sense, yes, it always carries a negative connotation of disapproval or disgrace, though the botanical sense referring to part of a flower is neutral and purely descriptive.
What is the plural of "stigma"?
The plural can be either "stigmas" or the Latin-derived "stigmata," with "stigmata" also carrying its own specific meaning in a religious context.
What does "stigma" mean in botany?
In botany, the stigma is the sticky tip at the top of a flower's pistil that receives pollen during pollination.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include stigma: