English Meaning & Definitions
A person who is extremely shy, modest, or reserved, and who avoids drawing attention to themselves.
- “Despite her immense talent, she is a bit of a shrinking violet and rarely speaks up in meetings.”
- “He was no shrinking violet; he loved being the center of attention at every party.”
English Synonyms & Near Equivalents
English Antonyms & Opposites
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “shrinking violet”.
The term originated in the early 19th century, likely drawing on the botanical nature of the violet flower, which often grows low to the ground and appears to 'shrink' or hide beneath its own leaves. The phrase was popularized by poets like Leigh Hunt and James Russell Lowell to describe a person who is modest, retiring, or shy.
Visualize a tiny purple flower trying to hide under its leaves because it is too shy to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions About “shrinking violet”
1. What is the meaning of “shrinking violet” in English?
In English, shrinking violet (idiom) is defined as: “A person who is extremely shy, modest, or reserved, and who avoids drawing attention to themselves.”.
2. How do you use “shrinking violet” in a sentence?
“Despite her immense talent, she is a bit of a shrinking violet and rarely speaks up in meetings.”
3. What are English synonyms of “shrinking violet”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “shrinking violet”?
The term originated in the early 19th century, likely drawing on the botanical nature of the violet flower, which often grows low to the ground and appears to 'shrink' or hide beneath its own leaves. The phrase was popularized by poets like Leigh Hunt and James Russell Lowell to describe a person who is modest, retiring, or shy.
🇬🇧More English Words to English
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A specific duration of time equal to one hour and forty-six minutes and twelve seconds.
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A specific duration of time equivalent to one hour and forty-six minutes.