Bashful

Adjective

Definition: Reluctant to draw attention to oneself; shy.

Synonyms: Shy, Timid, Diffident, Self-conscious

Antonyms: Confident, Outgoing, Bold, Extroverted

Examples:

The bashful girl hid behind her mother when strangers approached.
He became bashful and stumbled over his words when asked to speak in front of a large audience.

Mnemonics:

Imagine a person blushing and becoming quiet, trying to hide their face. This represents bashfulness.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "bashful" originated in the late 16th century from the word "bash", which means "to strike with a sudden or violent blow" or "to approach, beat."

Historical Usage:

The term "bashful" was initially used with the meaning "easily shocked, timid" in the English language. Over time, it has evolved to represent someone who is shy or reluctant to draw attention to themselves.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Bashful as a blushing bride"

Explanation:

This phrase refers to someone who is extremely shy or self-conscious, comparing their bashfulness to that of a bride who may become embarrassed or blush easily on her wedding day.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "bashful" with "passive" or "introverted".

Explanation:

While bashful individuals may appear introverted or passive in certain situations, being bashful primarily refers to being shy or self-conscious, rather than a specific personality trait.