What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
bashful
Example
She became bashful when everyone started singing 'Happy Birthday' to her. [bashful: adjective]
Example
He was too bashful to ask his crush out on a date. [bashful: adjective]
shy
Example
The shy girl blushed when someone complimented her artwork. [shy: adjective]
Example
He tends to be shy around new people and takes time to warm up to them. [shy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shy is more commonly used than bashful in everyday language. Shy is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while bashful is less common and specifically refers to a stronger sense of shyness or timidity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bashful and shy?
Both bashful and shy can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, bashful may sound slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.
