feel bashful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel bashful" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of shyness or self-consciousness in social situations. Example: "When she was asked to speak in front of the class, she began to feel bashful and looked down at her notes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Like dogs, they don't feel bashful about going up and sniffing each other".

The Economist

Newly trained little ones often hold at school because they feel bashful or intimidated.

The New York Times

"Should I feel bashful about giving a recipe that involves little more than opening a can?" she asks.

The New York Times - Books

When he was cast as an Austrian innkeeper in Basil Dean's Autumn Crocus (1934), one reviewer even took exception to his legs, writing that "Novello's schoolboy knees under his Tyrolean shorts make the audience, if not the players, feel bashful".

The Guardian - Film

When you're standing on stage beside the performer Beck and the crowd applauds, you can't help but blush and feel bashful.

TechCrunch

If you're a heterosexual man in this situation, do not feel bashful if a girl of this type puts the moves on you kids who were raised in Manhattan have the sexual adventurousness of Parisian flappers circa the roaring 20s.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Feeling bashful about behaving this way in a theater?

The New York Times

She said she "never felt bashful writing about sex".

The Guardian - Books

Andy squeezes Angie's hand and returns the gaze of these tiny monsters; he feels strangely bashful as they bugle their throats at him.

The New Yorker

I'll feel a little bashful, as if I somehow shaped this world with my own talented hands, and then he'll say: "Mind you, I could never live here".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even Tinder has felt a little bashful about their tweet fest.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel bashful" to describe a transient emotional state, rather than a permanent personality trait. For example, "She began to "feel bashful" when complimented on her presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "feel bashful" to describe someone who is generally shy. "Bashful" suggests a specific, momentary feeling of shyness or embarrassment, not an inherent personality trait.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel bashful" functions as a verb phrase describing an emotional state. It indicates the experience of shyness or embarrassment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct. Examples show its use in describing reactions to compliments or social situations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "feel bashful" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a fleeting sense of shyness or embarrassment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for various writing styles. Though not extremely frequent, the phrase appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, primarily within news and media contexts. For similar meanings, consider "feel shy" or "feel embarrassed", but be aware of subtle differences in connotation. Avoid using "feel bashful" to describe someone who is generally shy; instead, reserve it for specific instances of shyness in response to a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel shy

Emphasizes a general sense of timidity and discomfort in social situations.

feel embarrassed

Highlights a feeling of awkwardness and shame, often due to a perceived social misstep.

feel self-conscious

Focuses on an awareness of oneself and one's actions, leading to discomfort.

feel timid

Suggests a lack of confidence and a reluctance to assert oneself.

feel sheepish

Implies a slightly guilty or foolish sense of embarrassment.

feel coy

Suggests a playful or flirtatious shyness.

feel diffident

Emphasizes a lack of self-assurance and a hesitancy to put oneself forward.

feel reserved

Highlights a tendency to be restrained and not openly expressive.

feel reticent

Indicates a reluctance to speak or share one's thoughts.

feel awkward

Focuses on the discomfort and lack of ease in a social interaction.

FAQs

What does it mean to "feel bashful"?

To "feel bashful" means to experience a temporary feeling of shyness, self-consciousness, or embarrassment, often in social situations or when receiving attention.

What are some synonyms for "feel bashful"?

Alternatives for "feel bashful" include "feel shy", "feel embarrassed", or "feel self-conscious", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "feel bashful" in formal writing?

Yes, "feel bashful" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "experience shyness" for a more sophisticated tone.

How does "feel bashful" differ from "feel ashamed"?

"Feel bashful" implies a milder sense of discomfort or shyness, while "feel ashamed" suggests a stronger feeling of guilt or regret over something one has done. Therefore, "feel shameful" would not be interchangeable.