bashful

/ˈbæʃfəl/

/ˈbæʃfəl/

Bashful means shy or timid. You might feel bashful when meeting a famous actress, a high-ranking government official, or just someone whom you find really good-looking.

Bashful and shy are similar in meaning, but not quite identical. Bashful often describes people who are shy but friendly. In fact, being bashful is sometimes seen as an endearing quality. So, you probably wouldn't use bashful to describe a quiet, reserved coworker with whom you have little contact; shy would be a better fit. However, bashful is a perfect description for your good friend who unfortunately becomes tongue-tied whenever she tries to talk to strangers.

Definitions of bashful

1. adjective

   self-consciously timid
   “I never laughed, being bashful”

   synonyms:

   timid

   showing fear and lack of confidence
2. adjective

   disposed to avoid notice
   “they considered themselves a tough outfit and weren't bashful about letting anybody know it”

   “(`blate' is a Scottish term for bashful)”

   synonyms: blate

   backward

   (used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature