stigma
8 synonyms for stigma, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A mark of shame or disgrace attached to a person, group, or condition.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use stigma
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
social stigma
stigma attached to
remove the stigma
Etymology
From Greek stigma, "a mark made by a pointed instrument" — originally a brand burned into the skin of slaves or criminals.
Full origin of 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.
