bashful

American  

[bash-fuhl] / ˈbæʃ fəl /

adjective

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

   Synonyms:

   modest, abashed

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

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bashful British  

/ ˈbæʃfʊl /

adjective

1. disposed to attempt to avoid notice through shyness or modesty; diffident; timid

2. indicating or characterized by shyness or modesty

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Related Words

See shy ¹.

Other Word Forms

• bashfully adverb
• bashfulness noun
• overbashful adjective
• overbashfully adverb
• overbashfulness noun
• unbashful adjective
• unbashfully adverb
• unbashfulness noun

Etymology

Origin of bashful

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

Example Sentences

I glare at Woo, who puts his hands up and gives a bashful “Woo?”

From Literature

Now it was her turn to feel bashful, and she tried to steer him back to his tale.

From Literature

While Jimmie had been very social and outgoing, Jim was a bit bashful, a loner, very quiet, and liked to read.

From Literature

But when you ask them about all that success, the octet are suddenly bashful.

From BBC

For “Task,” Jones asked her bashful but patient scene partner to redo one scene, an explosive fight Maeve has with Robbie, quite a few times, eager to get the perfect take.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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