Bashful means shy or uncomfortable around other people, especially when receiving attention. A bashful person might look down at their shoes when someone compliments them, or hide behind their parents when meeting new people. They feel self-conscious, worried that others are watching or judging them.

You've probably seen someone act bashful when the class sings “Happy Birthday” to them, or when a teacher praises their artwork in front of everyone. Their cheeks might turn red, they might speak very quietly, or they might try to make themselves seem smaller. It's not that they're unfriendly; they just feel awkward being the center of attention.

Being bashful is different from being rude or disinterested. A bashful student might want to answer a question but feel too nervous to raise their hand. They might have great ideas but struggle to share them out loud. Many bashful people feel more comfortable once they get to know someone better, or when they're not being watched by a group.

Some people stay bashful their whole lives, while others grow out of it as they gain confidence. Either way, bashful people can turn out to be thoughtful observers who notice things others miss.