Sheepishly: meaning, definitions and examples

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sheepishly

 

[ ˈʃiːpɪʃli ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

used to describe someone's behavior

In a sheepish manner, showing embarrassment or a lack of confidence.

Synonyms

nervously, shyly, timidly

Examples of usage

  • He sheepishly admitted that he had forgotten about the meeting.
  • Sheepishly, she returned the wallet she had found.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a person's expression

Showing embarrassment or a lack of confidence in one's expression or demeanor.

Synonyms

embarrassed, guilty, shy

Examples of usage

  • He gave a sheepish grin when caught eating the last piece of cake.
  • Sheepish looks were exchanged between the students who failed to complete the assignment.

Translations

Translations of the word "sheepishly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 timidamente

🇮🇳 शर्मिंदा होकर (sharminda hokar)

🇩🇪 schüchtern

🇮🇩 dengan malu-malu

🇺🇦 сором'язливо

🇵🇱 nieśmiało

🇯🇵 恥ずかしそうに (hazukashisou ni)

🇫🇷 timidement

🇪🇸 tímidamente

🇹🇷 utangaç bir şekilde

🇰🇷 수줍게 (sujubge)

🇸🇦 بخجل (bikhajal)

🇨🇿 nesměle

🇸🇰 nesmelo

🇨🇳 羞怯地 (xiūqiè de)

🇸🇮 sramežljivo

🇮🇸 feimnislega

🇰🇿 ұялшақтықпен (uialshaqtyqpen)

🇬🇪 მორცხვად (morcxvad)

🇦🇿 utancaqcasına

🇲🇽 tímidamente

Etymology

The word 'sheepishly' originated from the Middle English word 'shepissly', which was derived from the Old English word 'sceaplic', meaning 'like a sheep'. It is believed to have evolved from the idea that sheep are meek and easily embarrassed animals. Over time, the term 'sheepishly' has come to describe behavior or expressions that convey a sense of embarrassment or timidity.

See also: sheep, sheepdog.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,671, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.