Bashful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bashful

[ˈbæʃfəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

shy

Reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy.

Synonyms

reserved, reticent, shy, timid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bashful	Use 'bashful' to describe someone who is easily embarrassed and avoids attention, often in a charming or sweet way. The bashful child hid behind his mother when strangers came around
shy	This is a common term used for someone who feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations, often avoiding interaction. It is generally informal and neutral. He is too shy to ask questions during the lecture
timid	Use 'timid' to describe someone who is not only shy but also lacking in courage or confidence, often afraid to take risks. It has a slightly negative connotation. The timid kitten cowered in the corner, too scared to approach the food
reserved	This word is suitable for describing someone who is socially restrained and doesn't readily show their feelings or thoughts. It has a more formal and neutral tone. Despite his reserved nature, he performed exceptionally well during the interview
reticent	Choose 'reticent' when referring to someone who is not only quiet but also reluctant to share their thoughts or feelings, often implying a deliberate withholding. She was reticent about her plans for the future, revealing very little even to close friends

Examples of usage

He was too bashful to ask for help.
She gave a bashful smile.
The bashful child hid behind her mother.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

embarrassed

Showing embarrassment or shame in a way that is appealing or endearing.

Synonyms

coy, embarrassed, modest, shy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bashful	Often used to describe someone, especially a child, who is shy or reluctant to draw attention to themselves. The bashful child hid behind his mother's skirt. She gave a bashful smile when complimented.
embarrassed	Used when someone feels awkward, self-conscious, or ashamed, often due to an uncomfortable situation. He was embarrassed when he tripped in front of everyone. She felt embarrassed after realizing her mistake.
shy	Describes someone who is naturally introverted and finds it difficult to interact socially or speak in public. She's too shy to dance in front of a crowd. He's a shy boy who prefers reading to socializing.
coy	Usually refers to someone who pretends to be shy or modest in a way that is intended to be attractive or to gain attention. She gave him a coy glance from across the room. Stop being coy and just tell us your decision.
modest	Describes someone who does not boast about their abilities or achievements. Can also refer to something that is not large or extravagant. Despite his success, he remained modest. Their house is modest but comfortable.

Examples of usage

She blushed in a bashful manner.
He looked bashful when she complimented him.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Being bashful can sometimes be a sign of social anxiety, where individuals may feel uncomfortable in social situations.
Research shows that bashfulness can be linked to personality traits like introversion or sensitivity to social evaluations.
In children, bashfulness often manifests as hesitance to interact with peers, which can impact social development.

Literature

Bashfulness is a common trait in literary characters, often used to create relatability, such as in classic tales like 'Pride and Prejudice'.
In modern literature, bashful characters sometimes undergo growth, evolving from being shy to finding their voice and confidence.
The character of Bashful in Disney's 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' embodies this trait, bringing humor and charm.

Pop Culture

The term is often used in various songs and movies to describe romantic interests who are shy but endearing.
In the reality show world, contestants might describe themselves as bashful to appear more relatable to the audience.
The internet has popularized 'bashful' memes that depict awkwardness in social settings, tapping into the shared experience of shyness.

Origin of 'bashful'

Main points about word origin

The word 'bashful' comes from the Middle English 'bashful', from the verb 'bash', meaning to cause to blush.
Originally, 'bash' was linked to being embarrassed or feeling discomforted, which is still reflected in the meaning today.
The suffix '-ful' means 'full of', thus 'bashful' literally means 'full of bash' or shyness.

The word 'bashful' originated from the Middle English word 'basshefull' which meant 'shamefaced, modest'. It evolved from the Old English word 'bæs' meaning 'moderate, without excess' and 'heafod' meaning 'head'. Over time, the word came to represent someone who is shy or embarrassed. The term has been used in English language since the 14th century.

See also: bash, basher, bashfully, bashfulness.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,720, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24717 dexterous
24718 ouster
24719 gild
24720 bashful
24721 shrivelled
24722 dank
24723 rill
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