sheepish
Say it: SHEE-pish /ˈʃipɪʃ/ · adjective
What “sheepish” means
A little embarrassed because you did something silly or wrong.
More precisely: Embarrassed, especially from knowing you've done something silly.
Example: “He gave a sheepish grin when his phone alarm went off mid-meeting.”
When to use it
For mild embarrassment after a silly mistake, often shown by a small grin. A gentle, everyday word.
Similar words
embarrassed, abashed, shamefaced
Quick check
Caught eating the last biscuit you promised to save, you give a small guilty grin. You look…
sheepish or remorseful?
Show the answer
sheepish
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