Shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others. What does the word coy mean (especially of women) being or pretending to be shy…
Coy Wilder (@lifewithcoy) - Urlebird
Artfully or affectedly shy or reserved
See examples of coy used in a sentence.
If someone is being coy, they are unwilling to talk about something that they feel guilty or embarrassed about The hotel are understandably coy about the incident. From middle english coy, from old french coi, earlier quei (“quiet, still”), from latin qu (i)ētus (“resting, at rest”) Doublet of quit, quiet, quite and quietus.
There are 16 meanings listed in oed's entry for the word coy, eight of which are labelled obsolete See ‘meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Definition of coy adjective in oxford advanced learner's dictionary Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
When insincere or affected, to reveal one's plans or opinions, make a commitment, or take a stand
The mayor was coy about his future political aspirations. Some common synonyms of coy are bashful, diffident, modest, and shy While all these words mean not inclined to be forward, coy implies a pretended shyness Where would bashful be a reasonable alternative to coy?
