bashful

[ bash-fuhl ]
/ ˈbæʃ fəl /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR bashful ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

uncomfortably diffident and easily embarrassed; shy; timid.
indicative of, accompanied by, or proceeding from bashfulness.

Origin of bashful

First recorded in 1540–50; (a)bash + -ful

OTHER WORDS FROM bashful

Words nearby bashful

basescu, bash, bash up, bashan, bashaw, bashful, bashi-bazouk, bashibazouk, bashing, bashkir, bashkir autonomous republic

Words related to bashful

reticent, sheepish, diffident, coy, confused, embarrassed, timid, self-conscious, abashed, backward, blushing, chary, demure, humble, modest, nervous, reserved, retiring, shamefaced, shrinking

Example sentences from the Web for bashful

British Dictionary definitions for bashful

bashful
/ (ˈbæʃfʊl) /

adjective

disposed to attempt to avoid notice through shyness or modesty; diffident; timid
indicating or characterized by shyness or modesty

Derived forms of bashful

bashfully, adverb bashfulness, noun

Word Origin for bashful

C16: from bash, short for abash + -ful