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 all eyes were on her during the presentation. [bashful: adjective]
Example
He was too bashful to ask for help, so he struggled with the task. [bashful: adjective]
timid
Example
The timid kitten hid under the bed whenever there were loud noises. [timid: adjective]
Example
She felt too timid to join the dance class because she was afraid of making mistakes. [timid: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Timid is more commonly used than bashful in everyday language. Timid is a versatile word that can be applied to various situations and contexts, while bashful is less common and more specific to shyness or embarrassment in social interactions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between bashful and timid?
Both bashful and timid are considered relatively formal words. However, timid is more commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, while bashful is more commonly used in informal or casual conversations.
