What is the comparative form of “shy”?
The comparative form of “shy” is “shyer”.Example
She is shyer than her sister when meeting new people.
Example
He became shyer as the crowd grew larger.
What is the superlative form of “shy”?
The superlative form of “shy” is “shyest”.Example
Among all the students, she is the shyest.
Example
He is known for being the shyest person in the office.
Why is this expression not used with most, more?
'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with shy, shyer, and shyest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more shy' and 'most shy' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, shyer and shyest are the correct and preferred forms to use.
Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?
Shy does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Shy → Shyer Superlative: Shy → Shyest
Expressions with similar meanings to “shyer”
Example
She tends to be more reserved and prefers smaller gatherings.
Used to describe someone who is more inward-focused and prefers solitude
Example
He is more introverted and enjoys spending time alone.
Expressions with similar meanings to “shyest”
Similar to shyest, this emphasizes a higher level of hesitation or caution in social situations
Example
Out of all the guests, she was the most reserved and kept to herself.
Similar to shyest, this emphasizes a higher level of inward-focus and preference for solitude
Example
He is the most introverted person I know and rarely attends social events.
Using than with comparative “shyer”
When using the comparative form shyer to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She is shyer 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?
“shyer” and “shyest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.- 1Social Situations
He became shyer as the party got busier.
He became shyer as the party got busier.
- 2Public Speaking
She is shyer when speaking in front of a large audience.
She is shyer when speaking in front of a large audience.
- 3Meeting New People
He is shyer than his friends when meeting new people.
He is shyer than his friends when meeting new people.
- 4Group Activities
She is shyer in group settings compared to one-on-one conversations.
She is shyer in group settings compared to one-on-one conversations.
- 5Confidence Levels
He has always been the shyest person in the class.
He has always been the shyest person in the class.
Related idioms and phrases
Bashful as a lamb
Extremely shy or timid.
Example
She was bashful as a lamb when meeting new people.
In one's shell
To be withdrawn or introverted, avoiding social interaction.
Example
He prefers to stay in his shell and avoids large gatherings.
Like a deer caught in headlights
To be frozen or paralyzed with fear or shyness.
Example
When asked to speak in public, she looked like a deer caught in headlights.
