Blushing: meaning, definitions and examples

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blushing

 

[ ˈblʌʃɪŋ ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

feeling

Blushing is when your face becomes red because you are embarrassed or shy. It is a physical reaction to emotions such as embarrassment, shyness, or guilt. Blushing happens when the blood vessels in your face dilate, causing more blood to flow to your cheeks and making them appear red.

Synonyms

coloring, crimsoning, flushing, reddening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blushing

Typically used when someone’s face goes red because they are embarrassed or shy.

  • She started blushing when he complimented her.
  • He could feel himself blushing as he tripped on the stage.
flushing

Generally used when the face turns red due to an increase in blood flow, which can be caused by emotions, physical exertion, or heat.

  • He was flushing after the intense workout.
  • She felt herself flushing at the unexpected praise.
reddening

A more general term for something turning red, which can include the face, skin, or any object. It can be used in both physical and emotional contexts.

  • The autumn leaves were reddening beautifully.
  • Her cheeks were reddening with embarrassment.
crimsoning

A less common term usually implying a deeper or darker red color, often used in literary or poetic contexts to describe the face turning very red, often due to strong emotion.

  • Her face was crimsoning with anger.
  • The sunset was crimsoning the sky.
coloring

Often used to describe the addition of color to something, not limited to just red; can be used in artistic contexts or when someone's face changes color for any reason.

  • She spent the afternoon coloring the picture.
  • His face was coloring as he drank the hot soup.

Examples of usage

  • I could feel myself blushing when he complimented me.
  • She blushed when she realized she had made a mistake.
  • His cheeks were blushing after she confessed her feelings.
  • Blushing is a natural response to feeling self-conscious.
  • The little girl blushed when she was praised for her drawing.
Context #2 | Noun

appearance

Blushing can also refer to the redness in someone's face when they are embarrassed or shy. It is a visible sign of someone's emotional state, often indicating embarrassment, shyness, or modesty.

Synonyms

coloring, crimsoning, flushing, reddening.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blushing

Used to describe the act of turning red in the face, typically due to embarrassment, shyness, or modesty.

  • She started blushing when everyone applauded her performance
  • He was blushing deeply after his mistake was pointed out
flushing

Used to describe a sudden reddening of the face, which can be due to various reasons like exertion, embarrassment, or medical conditions.

  • He started flushing after running up the stairs
  • She was flushing with excitement when she heard the good news
reddening

A general term for turning red, which can be applied to the face or other objects. It is neutral and not as specific as blushing or flushing.

  • Her face was reddening in the cold wind
  • He noticed the sky reddening as the sun began to set
crimsoning

A more poetic and dramatic way of describing someone turning a deep red color, often due to strong emotions like anger or embarrassment.

  • His face was crimsoning with rage after the insult
  • She felt herself crimsoning under his intense gaze
coloring

Can be used in a variety of situations involving the act of changing color, often less specific but can include blushing or turning any color. However, it is not commonly used explicitly for blushing.

  • Her cheeks were coloring rapidly during the intense conversation
  • The leaves are coloring with the change of season

Examples of usage

  • Her blushing was evident as she spoke in front of the audience.
  • The blushing on his cheeks gave away his feelings.
  • The sudden blushing on her face revealed her embarrassment.
  • Blushing can be a charming trait in some people.
  • His blushing was endearing to those around him.

Translations

Translations of the word "blushing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 corando

🇮🇳 लाल होना

🇩🇪 erröten

🇮🇩 merona

🇺🇦 червоніння

🇵🇱 rumienić się

🇯🇵 赤面する (せきめんする)

🇫🇷 rougir

🇪🇸 sonrojarse

🇹🇷 kızarmak

🇰🇷 얼굴이 붉어지다

🇸🇦 يحمر خجلاً

🇨🇿 červenat se

🇸🇰 červenať sa

🇨🇳 脸红 (liǎn hóng)

🇸🇮 rdečica

🇮🇸 roðna

🇰🇿 қызару

🇬🇪 სიფრიფანე

🇦🇿 qızarmaq

🇲🇽 sonrojarse

Etymology

The word 'blushing' originates from Middle English 'blushen', which is believed to have come from Old English 'blyscan', meaning 'to redden'. The concept of blushing has been associated with emotions and social interactions throughout history. Blushing is considered a natural response to certain emotional stimuli, and it has been a subject of interest in psychology and physiology for its connection to feelings of embarrassment and shyness.

See also: blush, blushed.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,447, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.