Shyness: meaning, definitions and examples
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shyness
[ ˈʃaɪnɪs ]
feeling
Shyness is the feeling of being nervous or timid when around other people, especially in unfamiliar situations.
Synonyms
bashfulness, timidity, timorousness
Examples of usage
- Her shyness often prevented her from speaking up in class meetings.
- His shyness made it difficult for him to make new friends.
personality trait
Shyness can also refer to a personality trait characterized by a tendency to feel nervous or timid in social situations.
Synonyms
introversion, reservedness, reticence
Examples of usage
- Her shyness is part of her charm.
- Despite his shyness, he was a great listener.
Word origin
The word 'shyness' originated from the Old English word 'scynnes', meaning 'shame' or 'disgrace'. Over time, its meaning evolved to represent a feeling of timidity or nervousness in social situations. Shyness is a common human trait experienced by people of all ages and backgrounds.
See also: shyly.