Literary notes about bashfully (AI summary)
Bashfully is often employed in literature to indicate a character’s shyness or self-conscious demeanor, conveying subtle emotional hesitation in speech or gesture. Characters may lower their gaze or exhibit nervous behaviors when interacting with others, as seen when one character replies while “blushing bashfully” [1] or offers a gesture with a timid smile [2]. The term also appears as a marker of innocent reticence or gentle reserve, such as when a young lady inquires timidly [3] or when a figure’s movements betray a quiet reluctance to take center stage [4]. In each usage, the word enriches the narrative by underscoring a moment of vulnerability or polite modesty, enhancing the reader’s insight into the character’s inner emotional state.
- ‘Nay,’ he replied, looking down, and blushing bashfully.
— from Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë - Punctually at eight o'clock he would step hesitatingly before the audience, and rubbing his hands bashfully, commence the lecture.
— from The Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 6: Artemus Ward's Panorama by Artemus Ward - "Mother, do you have 'plans,' as Mrs. Moffat said?" asked Meg bashfully.
— from Little Women; Or, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Louisa May Alcott - “ Afraid you’d laugh at me ,” replied Beppo, looking up in Mr. Gilman’s face rather bashfully.
— from Little PitchersFlaxie Frizzle Stories by Sophie May
