Learn how to use the comparative “shier” and superlative “shiest” with example sentences and differences.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Comparative adjectives help us to describe how good or bad something is when compared to something else. For example, something is taller than something else. Superlative adjectives help us to describe something as having the most or least of a particular characteristic within a group. This makes it easier and more accurate to talk about and compare things.

What is the comparative form of “shiest”?

The comparative form of “shiest” is “shier”.

Example

She is shier than her outgoing sister.

Example

He became shier after the embarrassing incident.

What is the superlative form of “shiest”?

The superlative form of “shiest” is “shiest”.

Example

Among all the students, she is the shiest.

Example

He is known for being the shiest person in the office.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

Shy, shier, and shiest are irregular comparatives and superlatives. They do not follow the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives with 'more' and 'most'. Instead, shier and shiest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Shy has an irregular comparative and superlative form. Comparative: ShyShier Superlative: ShyShiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “shier”

Used to describe someone who is more introverted or less likely to speak up

Example

He tends to be more reserved in social situations.

Used to describe someone who is more fearful or lacking in confidence

Example

The puppy was more timid than its siblings.

Used to describe someone who is more shy or easily embarrassed

Example

She became more bashful as the attention was focused on her.

Expressions with similar meanings to “shiest”

Similar to shiest, this emphasizes being the most introverted or least likely to speak up

Example

Out of all the candidates, he was the most reserved during the interview.

Similar to shiest, this emphasizes being the most fearful or lacking in confidence

Example

The smallest kitten was the most timid of the litter.

Similar to shiest, this emphasizes being the most shy or easily embarrassed

Example

She was the most bashful person at the party, avoiding the spotlight.

Using than with comparative “shier”

When using the comparative form shier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She is shier than her sister." Here, than is used to show that the level of 'shyness' in 'her' is greater than the level of 'shyness' in her sister.

How can I use this expression in context?

“shier” and “shiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.
  • 1Personality Traits

    He is the shiest person I know.

    He is the shiest person I know.

  • 2Social Situations

    She becomes shier in large crowds.

    She becomes shier in large crowds.

  • 3Public Speaking

    He is shier when it comes to public speaking.

    He is shier when it comes to public speaking.

  • 4Interactions

    She is shier around new people.

    She is shier around new people.

  • 5Confidence

    He lacks confidence and is often considered the shiest in the group.

    He lacks confidence and is often considered the shiest in the group.

Related idioms and phrases

Bashful as a lamb

Extremely shy or easily embarrassed.

Example

She was bashful as a lamb when asked to speak in front of the class.

Like a deer caught in headlights

To be frozen in fear or surprise, often due to shyness or nervousness.

Example

When the spotlight was on him, he looked like a deer caught in headlights.

Introvert

A person who tends to be more reserved and inward-focused.

Example

As an introvert, she prefers quiet evenings at home rather than going out to parties.

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