Bashful: meaning, definitions and examples

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bashful

 

[ ˈbæʃfəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

shy

Reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy.

Synonyms

reserved, reticent, shy, timid

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

Examples of usage

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

Translations

Translations of the word "bashful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tímido

🇮🇳 शर्मीला

🇩🇪 schüchtern

🇮🇩 pemalu

🇺🇦 сором'язливий

🇵🇱 nieśmiały

🇯🇵 恥ずかしがり屋

🇫🇷 timide

🇪🇸 tímido

🇹🇷 utangaç

🇰🇷 수줍은

🇸🇦 خجول

🇨🇿 plachý

🇸🇰 plachý

🇨🇳 害羞的

🇸🇮 plašen

🇮🇸 feiminn

🇰🇿 ұялшақ

🇬🇪 მორცხვი

🇦🇿 utancaq

🇲🇽 tímido

Word origin

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.