Abashedly

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /əˈbæʃ.ɪd.li/

Definitions

1. In a manner that shows signs of self-doubt and embarrassment while feeling uncomfortable or shy in social contexts Presenting oneself with an air of humility and a reluctance to engage due to feelings of guilt or unease Acting in a way that reflects a combination of awkwardness, modesty, and a lack of self-assurance
2. Expressing feelings of discomfort and shame openly through actions or speech
3. Behaving with visible signs of awkwardness or shame due to a lack of confidence

Etymology: "Abashedly" is a plain formation: the adjective "abashed" with the suffix "-ly" added to turn it into an adverb. "Abashed" comes from the verb "abash", which entered English from Old French "esbahir" (to astonish), and that verb ultimately traces back to a sense of being struck into dismay or confusion rather than shame. The suffix has a long pedigree of its own. It descends from Old English "-līċe", which was itself built on the noun "līc" meaning "body" or "form", so the original idea was something like "in the form of" or "in the manner of". Over centuries "-līċe" was shortened to Middle English "-ly", and it became one of the most productive ways in English to turn adjectives into adverbs.

Synonyms: embarrassingly, shamefacedly

Antonyms: confidently