shy, bashful, diffident, modest, coy mean not inclined to be forward. shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others.

Coded: 1, very reluctant or fearful; 2, shy; 3, warms up to tester; 4, immediately friendly. Partly because of the subject's political sensitivity, many scholars shy away from it. For instance, a …

Definition of shy adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

1. To move suddenly or draw back, as if startled or afraid: The horse shied at the loud sound. 2. To avoid engaging in, treating, or discussing something: "a film adaptation that would not shy …

If you are shy of doing something, you are unwilling to do it because you are afraid of what might happen.

Shy implies a constitutional shrinking from contact or close association with others, together with a wish to escape notice: shy and retiring. Bashful suggests timidity about meeting others, and …

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 …

Oct 8, 2025 · shy (third-person singular simple present shies, present participle shying, simple past and past participle shied) (intransitive) To avoid due to caution, embarrassment or …

Some common synonyms of shy are bashful, coy, diffident, and modest. While all these words mean "not inclined to be forward," shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity …

SHY definition: 1. not confident, especially about meeting or talking to new people: 2. If a horse shies, it moves…. Learn more.