adjective
bashful
BASH-fuh
adjective
1
Shy and easily embarrassed, especially around other people.
"The bashful boy hid behind his mother when guests arrived."
"She gave a bashful smile when he complimented her."
How to Use Bashful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShy, timid, and easily made to feel awkward or embarrassed.
Easily confused with
sheepish
Common pairings
bashful smile
bashful grin
feel bashful
Word Forms
more bashful comparative, most bashful superlative
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The _____ boy hid behind his mother when guests arrived.
Etymology
Formed in the 1500s by clipping abashed and adding -ful, "full of."