wallflower
|wall/flow/er|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈwɔːlˌflaʊər/
🇬🇧
/ˈwɔːlˌflaʊə/
shy observer
Etymology
Etymology Information
'wallflower' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'walflour,' where 'wal' meant 'wall' and 'flour' meant 'flower.'
Historical Evolution
'walflour' transformed into the modern English word 'wallflower.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to a plant growing on walls, but over time it evolved to also describe a shy person at social events.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is shy or unpopular and thus remains on the sidelines of a social activity, especially a dance.
At the party, she felt like a wallflower, standing by herself in the corner.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39