Bashfulness

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Bashfulness \Bash"ful*ness\, n.
     The quality of being bashful.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Syn: {Bashfulness}, {Modesty}, {Diffidence}, {Shyness}.
  


     Usage: Modesty arises from a low estimate of ourselves;
            bashfulness is an abashment or agitation of the
            spirits at coming into contact with others; diffidence
            is produced by an undue degree of self-distrust;
            shyness usually arises from an excessive
            self-consciousness, and a painful impression that
            every one is looking at us. Modesty of deportment is
            becoming in all; bashfulness often gives rise to
            mistakes and blundering; diffidence in society
            frequently makes a man a burden to himself; shyness
            usually produces a reserve or distance which is often
            mistaken for haughtiness.
            [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  bashfulness
       n : feeling embarrassed due to modesty [syn: {abashment}]