bashful

[ bash-fuhl ]

adjective

1. uncomfortably diffident and easily embarrassed; shy; timid.

   Synonyms: modest, abashed

2. indicative of, accompanied by, or proceeding from bashfulness.

bashful

/ ˈbæʃfʊl /

adjective

1. disposed to attempt to avoid notice through shyness or modesty; diffident; timid
2. indicating or characterized by shyness or modesty

Derived Forms

• ˈbashfulness, noun
• ˈbashfully, adverb

Other Words From

• bashful·ly adverb
• bashful·ness noun
• over·bashful adjective
• over·bashful·ly adverb
• over·bashful·ness noun
• un·bashful adjective
• un·bashful·ly adverb
• un·bashful·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bashful¹

First recorded in 1540–50; (a)bash + -ful

Word History and Origins

Origin of bashful¹

C16: from bash , short for abash + -ful

Synonym Study

See shy ¹.

Example Sentences

It’s fun to get to know these people, their insecurities and their problems and slowly grow closer past their bashful exteriors.

From Washington Post

Organizers tried getting students who might feel bashful online to at least try a game of hangman or charades.

From Washington Post

I remember being very bashful at the time and saying, “Thank you!”

From The Daily Beast

Kate meets a young fan, who looks a bit bashful about meeting the Duchess.

From The Daily Beast

Mrs. Nelson, riding in front with the bashful driver, vainly sought to engage him in conversation.

From Project Gutenberg

It seems ridiculous that a fellow who could hold his head straight up before a storm of cannon shot, should be positively bashful.

From Project Gutenberg

The French women have none of that bashful modesty which characterises the women of England and America.

From Project Gutenberg

This was so unusual in the bashful Alfred that Miss Caldwell roused and slipped lightly to the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

But as he seemed stronger and more lively the next day, I concluded he was bashful and only ate when I wasn't looking.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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