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bashful

[bash-fuhl]
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adjective

uncomfortably diffident and easily embarrassed; shy; timid.
indicative of, accompanied by, or proceeding from bashfulness.

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RELATED WORDS

reticent, sheepish, diffident, coy, confused, embarrassed, timid, self-conscious, abashed, backward, blushing, chary, demure, humble, modest, nervous, reserved, retiring, shamefaced, shrinking

Nearby words

  1. bash,
  2. bash up,
  3. bashan,
  4. bashaw,
  5. basher,
  6. bashfully,
  7. bashi-bazouk,
  8. bashibazouk,
  9. bashing,
  10. bashkir

Origin of bashful

First recorded in 1540–50; (a)bash + -ful
ANTONYMS FOR bashful
arrogant.
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Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for bashful

British Dictionary definitions for bashful

bashful

adjective

disposed to attempt to avoid notice through shyness or modesty; diffident; timid
indicating or characterized by shyness or modesty
Derived Formsbashfully, adverbbashfulness, noun

Word Origin for bashful

C16: from bash, short for abash + -ful
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for bashful

bashful

adj.

1540s, from baishen "to be filled with consternation or dismay" (mid-14c.), from Old French baissier "bring down, humiliate" (see abash). Related: Bashfully; bashfulness (1530s).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper