bashful
UK: ˈbæʃ.fəl | US: ˈbæʃ.fəl
adj. shy or easily embarrassed, especially in social situations
adj. showing reluctance to draw attention to oneself
bashful = bash<abash, to dismay> + ful<full of>
- bash (from Middle English baschen, meaning "to be abashed" or "dismayed")
- ful (Old English suffix meaning "full of" or "characterized by")
Etymology Origin:
The word "bashful" originates from the Middle English term baschen, which meant "to be abashed" or "to feel dismay." Over time, "bash" evolved to connote shyness or timidity, while the suffix "-ful" (from Old English) was added to indicate a quality of being "full of" that trait. Thus, "bashful" literally means "full of shyness" or "characterized by embarrassment." The word reflects a blend of emotional restraint and social hesitancy, often used to describe someone who blushes or avoids attention.
The bashful child hid behind her mother when meeting strangers.
He gave a bashful smile after receiving the compliment.
Despite her talent, she remained bashful about performing in public.
His bashful demeanor made him endearing to his classmates.
The actor, usually confident on stage, was surprisingly bashful during the interview.