adjective / verb
shy
SHY/ʃaɪ/
Inclined to withdraw through nervousness.
My shy neighbor smiles but rarely joins our group conversations.
Etymology
Old English sceoh meant timid or easily startled; Middle English used the word of easily frightened horses. The social sense applies that timidity to people who shrink from contact with others.
In context
He's always been naturally shy, soft-spoken [music] kid who struggled to make friends and lack confidence, and that all changed when he found football.
More examples
- She feels shy around people she has just met.
- The horse shies at the sudden sound of a horn.
- He shies away from speaking in front of large groups.
Forms
shy · shyer · shyest · shier · shiest · shies · shied · shying
shyness noun — Nervousness or hesitation around other people.
shyly adverb — In a nervous or hesitant manner.