bashful

bash·ful

adj \ˈbash-fəl\

Definition of BASHFUL

1

: socially shy or timid : diffident, self-conscious

2

: resulting from or typical of a bashful nature <a bashful smile>

— bash·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— bash·ful·ness \-fəl-nəs\ noun

Examples of BASHFUL

1. bashful boys asking girls to dance
2. <a bashful child who hid in his room whenever there were visitors in the house>

Origin of BASHFUL

obsolete bash (to be abashed)

First Known Use: 1548

Related to BASHFUL

Synonyms: backward, shy, coy, demure, diffident, introverted, modest, recessive, retiring, self-effacing, sheepish, withdrawn

Antonyms: extroverted (also extraverted), immodest, outgoing

Related Words: antisocial, lone, lone-wolf, unsociable, unsocial; awkward, embarrassed, self-conscious, unadventurous, unassertive, unenterprising; inhibited, reserved, uneasy, uptight

Near Antonyms: boon, clubbable (also clubable), companionable, convivial, gregarious, sociable, social; bold, dashing, forceful; brash, forward, overbold, uninhibited, unreserved

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See Synonym Discussion at shy