verecund

[ ver-i-kuhnd ]

adjective

, Archaic.

1. bashful; modest.

verecund

/ ˈvɛrɪˌkʌnd /

adjective

1. rare.
   shy or modest

Word History and Origins

Origin of verecund¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Latin verēcundus, equivalent to verē(rī) “to fear” + -cundus adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of verecund¹

C16: from Latin verēcundus diffident, from verērī to fear

Related Words

• confused
• coy
• diffident
• embarrassed
• reticent
• self-conscious
• sheepish
• timid