blushes - Master This Word
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blushes Word Meanings
- to turn red in the face due to embarrassment
- a reddening of the face
- a reaction to shyness or guilt
blushes Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
blushes Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/blʌʃ/
US
/blʌʃ/
blushes Word Etymology
blush = blush (root). Originating from Old English 'blyscan', meaning to glow or shine; evolved into 'bluschon' in Old French before entering English. Picture a shy person turning red when complimented, like a rose blooming beautifully.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Blush is both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to become red in the face, usually from embarrassment, shyness, or guilt. As a noun, it can refer to the reddening itself or to a cosmetic product applied to the cheeks. In everyday speech you might say someone "blushed" or that their cheeks have a "blush." The sense can extend to warm, pleasant feelings too. Etymologically, blush comes from Old English blyscan, meaning to glow or shine, and it moved through Old French before entering modern English. Picture a shy person turning rosy when complimented or caught by surprise, a small, natural flush like a rosebud opening.
Usage Reminders
- Don’t conflate blush with makeup alone; you can blush without makeup. Use blush for embarrassment, or to describe a rosy face. Note fixed phrases: blush with/shame, blush at a compliment. The noun blush can refer to the product or the color itself. Vary your collocations: blush deeply, blush lightly, a natural blush.
Common Misconceptions
- Blush always means embarrassment; it also refers to the makeup and a natural facial color.
- To blush is different from flushing or turning red due to heat or illness.
- The blush makeup is used only on cheeks, not other parts.
- Blush can be permanently colored by makeup; in fact, it washes off.
- All languages use the same word for blush; many languages have distinct terms for the emotion and the makeup.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Remember blush can refer to both the act of turning red and the cosmetic product.
- Practice using 'blush with embarrassment' vs 'blush at a compliment'.
- Pair blush with verbs like 'brightens', 'reddens', 'flushes' in creative writing.
- Notice that some contexts use 'a blush' for the redness and 'blush' for the makeup.
- Learn common collocations: blush deeply, blush lightly, natural blush, a bashful blush.
- Watch for facial color cues in dialogue to distinguish emotion from makeup.
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