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

My point is, you got to own who you are and you don't have to be bashful or ashamed of anything about who you are and what you represent.

From Salon

Shefte: I’m gathering that Geoff really wants you to go read his ode to Danish hockey that ran this weekend but is too bashful to ask.

From Seattle Times

Could it be that those who partook in the survey were just a little too bashful to admit they actually don’t mind seeing sex on screen?

From Seattle Times

Most people, when asked to do an impression of Diana, probably would tilt their head or attempt a bashful gaze.

From Los Angeles Times

He greeted Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with a bashful smile.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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