| / English Dictionary |
BASHFUL
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Disposed to avoid notice
Example:
they considered themselves a tough outfit and weren't bashful about letting anybody know it
Synonyms:
bashful; blate
Classified under:
Similar:
backward ((used of temperament or behavior) marked by a retiring nature)
Domain region:
Scotland (one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Self-consciously timid
Example:
I never laughed, being bashful; lowering my head, I looked at the wall
Classified under:
Similar:
timid (showing fear and lack of confidence)
Derivation:
bashfulness (feeling embarrassed due to modesty)
Context examples:
I am to have my meals with the children, if I prefer it to the great table, and for the present I do, for I am bashful, though no one will believe it.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
I was too bashful to do so then—I was afraid of confusing her, and I was no less afraid of confusing myself.—but I informed myself of the hour at which she left of an evening, in order that our visit might be timed accordingly; and taking leave of Mr. Omer, and his pretty daughter, and her little children, went away to my dear old Peggotty's.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
"It's so hard I'm afraid to try," said Meg, grateful, but bashful in the presence of the accomplished young lady beside her.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
Kidnappers and inveiglers were planted in all the avenues of entrance to the Commons, with instructions to do their utmost to cut off all persons in mourning, and all gentlemen with anything bashful in their appearance, and entice them to the offices in which their respective employers were interested; which instructions were so well observed, that I myself, before I was known by sight, was twice hustled into the premises of our principal opponent.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
Unfortunately, another bashful person had chosen the same refuge, for, as the curtain fell behind her, she found herself face to face with the 'Laurence boy'.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
When the wine came, too, I thought it flat; and it certainly had more English crumbs in it, than were to be expected in a foreign wine in anything like a pure state, but I was bashful enough to drink it, and say nothing.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
Beth was too bashful to go to school.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
I was rather bashful at first, Steerforth being so self-possessed, and elegant, and superior to me in all respects (age included); but his easy patronage soon put that to rights, and made me quite at home.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
He could not get any further, for he too turned bashful all of a sudden, and did not quite know what to say.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
I'm going to have you well and rosy by that time, began Jo, feeling that of all the changes in Beth, the talking change was the greatest, for it seemed to cost no effort now, and she thought aloud in a way quite unlike bashful Beth.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
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