Bashfulness — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈbash-fəl/ bash·ful

Meaning & Definition of Bashfulness

Bashfulness (adjective)

  1. socially shy or timid, diffident, self-conscious
  2. resulting from or typical of a bashful nature

Bashfulness (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in shyness, embarrassment

    similar: constraint, embarrassment, inhibition, restraint, shyness, skittishness, faintheartedness, timidity, timidness, timorousness, hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, alarm, anxiety, apprehension, concern, discomposure, dismay, fear, panic, upset, worry, cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, spinelessness
    opposite: audaciousness, audacity, boldness, cojones (slang), guts, nerve, assurance, confidence, self-assertiveness, self-assurance, self-confidence, composure, coolness, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern, backbone, decisiveness, determination, fiber, firmness, fortitude, gameness, grit, gumption, mettle, resoluteness, resolution, spunk, bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gutsiness, intrepidity, intrepidness, valor, brazenness, cheek, effrontery, gall, temerity

Related Entry: Bashful (adjective)

Bashful is a different word from Bashfulness. The synonyms below are for bashful, not for bashfulness.

  1. not comfortable around people

    "a bashful child who hid in his room whenever there were visitors in the house"

    similar: backward, coy, demure, diffident, introverted, modest, recessive, retiring, self-effacing, sheepish, shy, withdrawn
    related: antisocial, lone, lone-wolf, unsociable, unsocial, awkward, embarrassed, self-conscious, unadventurous, unassertive, unenterprising, inhibited, reserved, uneasy, uptight
    opposite: extroverted, immodest, outgoing
    near: boon, clubbable, companionable, convivial, gregarious, sociable, social, bold, dashing, forceful, brash, forward, overbold, uninhibited, unreserved

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Bashfulness

The most common words with a similar meaning to Bashfulness:

constraint, embarrassment, inhibition, restraint, shyness, skittishness, faintheartedness, timidity, timidness, timorousness, hesitation, indecision, indecisiveness, irresoluteness, irresolution, alarm, anxiety, apprehension, concern, discomposure, dismay, fear, panic, upset, worry, cowardice, cowardliness, cravenness, spinelessness

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Bashfulness

Words with the opposite meaning of Bashfulness:

audaciousness, audacity, boldness, cojones, guts, nerve, assurance, confidence, self-assertiveness, self-assurance, self-confidence, composure, coolness, insouciance, nonchalance, unconcern, backbone, decisiveness, determination, fiber, firmness, fortitude, gameness, grit, gumption, mettle, resoluteness, resolution, spunk, bravery

Word Forms of Bashfulness

Derived words: bashfully (adverb), bashfulness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Bashfulness

Early Modern English bash "to lose composure, be dismayed" (going back to Middle English baishen, basshen, probably aphetic variant of abaissen, abaschen "to abash") + -ful:1

First known use: 1548

Frequently Asked Questions about Bashfulness

What does "Bashfulness" mean?

"Bashfulness" means socially shy or timid, diffident, self-conscious. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: socially shy or timid, diffident, self-conscious.

What is another word for "Bashfulness"?

Other words for "Bashfulness" include constraint, embarrassment, inhibition, restraint, shyness, skittishness, faintheartedness and timidity. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Bashfulness" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Bashfulness"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Bashfulness". Common alternatives include constraint, embarrassment, inhibition, restraint, shyness, skittishness, faintheartedness, timidity, timidness and timorousness.

What is the opposite of "Bashfulness"?

Antonyms of "Bashfulness" include audaciousness, audacity, boldness, cojones, guts, nerve, assurance and confidence.

Is "Bashfulness" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Bashfulness" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Bashfulness"?

"Bashfulness" is pronounced /ˈbash-fəl/ and divided into syllables as bash·ful.

What is the origin of the word "Bashfulness"?

"Bashfulness" comes from Early Modern English bash "to lose composure, be dismayed" (going back to Middle English baishen, basshen, probably aphetic variant of abaissen, abaschen "to abash") + -ful:1. First known use: 1548.

What is another word for "Bashfulness" meaning "as in shyness, embarrassment"?

When "Bashfulness" (noun) means as in shyness, embarrassment, synonyms include constraint, embarrassment, inhibition, restraint, shyness and skittishness. Opposites in this sense include audaciousness, audacity, boldness and cojones.