Shy, bashful, diffident, modest, coy mean not inclined to be forward While all these words mean not inclined to be forward, shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others. Shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others.
He was too shy to ask her to dance with him Some common synonyms of shy are bashful, coy, diffident, and modest She gave a shy smile
The deer were shy (= unwilling to be near people) and hid behind some trees. A shy person is nervous and uncomfortable in the company of other people To move suddenly or draw back, as if startled or afraid The horse shied at the loud sound
To avoid engaging in, treating, or discussing something A film adaptation that would not shy away from the novel's controversial themes (scot french). Shy, bashful, diffident imply a manner that shows discomfort or lack of confidence in association with others Shy implies a constitutional shrinking from contact or close association with others, together with a wish to escape notice
Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Shyness emerges from a few key characteristics Shy people often make unrealistic social.