bashful

[ bash-fuhl ]

/ ˈbæʃ fəl /

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See synonyms for: bashful / bashfully / bashfulness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

uncomfortably diffident and easily embarrassed; shy; timid.

indicative of, accompanied by, or proceeding from bashfulness.

OTHER WORDS FOR bashful

1 abashed, modest.

See synonyms for bashful on Thesaurus.com

OPPOSITES FOR bashful

arrogant.

See antonyms for bashful on Thesaurus.com

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Origin of bashful

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

synonym study for bashful

1. See shy¹.

OTHER WORDS FROM bashful

bash·ful·ly, adverbbash·ful·ness, nouno·ver·bash·ful, adjectiveo·ver·bash·ful·ly, adverb

o·ver·bash·ful·ness, nounun·bash·ful, adjectiveun·bash·ful·ly, adverbun·bash·ful·ness, noun

Words nearby bashful

base tenant, base unit, bash, Bashan, bashaw, bashful, bashi-bazouk, bashing, Bashkir, Bashkir Autonomous Republic, Bashkir Republic

How to use bashful in a sentence

It’s fun to get to know these people, their insecurities and their problems and slowly grow closer past their bashful exteriors.
‘Boyfriend Dungeon’ reminded me of dating during the pandemic, swords and all|Shannon Liao|August 31, 2021|Washington Post
Organizers tried getting students who might feel bashful online to at least try a game of hangman or charades.
Best Buddies program helps high school students maintain connection during pandemic|Dana Hedgpeth|April 23, 2021|Washington Post
I remember being very bashful at the time and saying, “Thank you!”
‘She’s All That' 15th Anniversary: Cast and Crew Reminisce About the Making of the ‘90s Classic|Marlow Stern|January 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Kate meets a young fan, who looks a bit bashful about meeting the Duchess.
Will & Kate Attend London Premiere of African Cats||April 25, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Mrs. Nelson, riding in front with the bashful driver, vainly sought to engage him in conversation.
The Outdoor Girls in the Saddle|Laura Lee Hope
It seems ridiculous that a fellow who could hold his head straight up before a storm of cannon shot, should be positively bashful.
Overland|John William De Forest
The French women have none of that bashful modesty which characterises the women of England and America.
Travels through the South of France and the Interior of Provinces of Provence and Languedoc in the Years 1807 and 1808|Lt-Col. Pinkney
This was so unusual in the bashful Alfred that Miss Caldwell roused and slipped lightly to the ground.
Blazed Trail Stories|Stewart Edward White
But as he seemed stronger and more lively the next day, I concluded he was bashful and only ate when I wasn't looking.
Birds and All Nature, Vol. VI, No. 3, October 1899|Various

British Dictionary definitions for bashful

bashful

/ (ˈbæʃfʊl) /

adjective

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

indicating or characterized by shyness or modesty

Derived forms of bashful

bashfully, 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

bashful

OTHER WORDS FOR bashful

OPPOSITES FOR bashful

Origin of bashful

synonym study for bashful

OTHER WORDS FROM bashful

Words nearby bashful

Words related to bashful

How to use bashful in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for bashful

Derived forms of bashful

Word Origin for bashful