What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shy
Example
She's too shy to speak up in class. [shy: adjective]
Example
He always seems to be hiding in the corner at parties, looking shy and uncomfortable. [shy: adverb]
bashful
Example
She became bashful when he complimented her dress. [bashful: adjective]
Example
He was too bashful to ask her to dance. [bashful: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shy is more commonly used than bashful in everyday language. Shy is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of situations, while bashful is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shy and bashful?
Both shy and bashful are informal words that are appropriate for casual conversation. However, bashful may be seen as slightly more formal due to its less frequent usage.
