bashfulness

Reluctance around strangers

Bashfulness is a tendency toward shyness or self-consciousness, especially in social situations.

It suggests timidity mixed with modesty—someone bashful may blush, avoid eye contact, or struggle to speak up: His bashfulness made it hard to approach strangers.

The quality often appears endearing rather than debilitating, distinguishing it from more severe social anxiety.

social

embarrassment

Self-conscious unease

mortification · chagrin · humiliation · shame · sheepishness · stage fright · social anxiety · unease · discomfort · squirming

shyness

timid

Lacking courage or confidence

self-conscious · retiring · withdrawn · introverted · reserved · inhibited · hesitant · unassertive · mousy · timorous

modesty

humble

Unassuming about oneself

meek · unpretentious · down-to-earth · lowly · unobtrusive · modest · coyness · decorous · chaste · understated

blush

flush

Same suit, five cards

warmth · glow · crimson · scarlet · flushed cheeks · rosy · pinkness · heat

Categories
Opposites
social confidence and self-presentation

bashfulnessboldness

Fearless readiness to act

confidence · self-confidence · assertiveness · outgoingness · extroversion

ego and self-regard

bashfulnessarrogance

Excessive self-importance

pride · immodesty · brazenness · shamelessness · cockiness

Family

bash, bashful, abashed, abash, abashment, abashing, abashes, abashedly

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G