bashfulness
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary:
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Bash·ful·ness
n.
The quality of being bashful.
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.
Roget's Thesaurus:
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bashfulness
noun
- An awkwardness or lack of self-confidence in the presence of others: backwardness, coyness, retiringness, shyness, timidity, timidness. See restraint/unrestraint.
