bashful
adjective
uncomfortably diffident and easily embarrassed; shy; timid.
bashfulness
-
a word derived from
bashful.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Greenspan overcame his bashfulness in 1987 to ask Nancy Reagan, who frowned on unwed couples at formal events, if his invitation to a White House state dinner could include Mitchell as his guest.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 22, 2026
It was thrust upon him, he said, a calling that required him to transcend survivor’s guilt and bashfulness.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 6, 2022
Through it all, he barely moved from the center of the stage, hinting at a certain bashfulness.
From Slate ● Oct. 4, 2019
Her tone later changed into gratitude and, finally, bashfulness as the curtain call went on.
From New York Times ● Jun. 24, 2017
Laurie’s bashfulness soon wore off, for Jo’s gentlemanly demeanor amused and set him at his ease, and Jo was her merry self again, because her dress was forgotten and nobody lifted their eyebrows at her.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
