Learn how to use the comparative “shyer” and superlative “shyest” 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 “shyest”?

The comparative form of “shyest” 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 “shyest”?

The superlative form of “shyest” 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: ShyShyer Superlative: ShyShyest

Expressions with similar meanings to “shyer”

Used to describe someone who is more cautious or hesitant in social situations

Example

She is more reserved and prefers to observe rather than participate.

Used to describe someone who is more easily frightened or lacks confidence

Example

He became more timid after the incident and avoided crowded places.

Used to describe someone who is less extroverted or sociable

Example

Compared to her sister, she is less outgoing and prefers quiet activities.

Expressions with similar meanings to “shyest”

Similar to shyest, this emphasizes being the most cautious or hesitant in social situations

Example

Among all the guests, she was the most reserved and kept to herself.

Used to describe someone who is the most easily frightened or lacks the most confidence

Example

He is the most timid of all the children and often needs reassurance.

Used to describe someone who is the least extroverted or sociable

Example

Compared to his colleagues, he is the least outgoing and prefers to work alone.

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 of 'she' is greater than the level of shyness of 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 is shyer in large groups of people.

    He is shyer in large groups of people.

  • 2Public Speaking

    She is the shyest person in the class when it comes to giving presentations.

    She is the shyest person in the class when it comes to giving presentations.

  • 3Interactions

    He becomes shyer when meeting new people.

    He becomes shyer when meeting new people.

  • 4Personality Traits

    She is known for being the shyest person in her group of friends.

    She is known for being the shyest person in her group of friends.

  • 5Workplace

    Among all the employees, he is the shyest and prefers to work independently.

    Among all the employees, he is the shyest and prefers to work independently.

Related idioms and phrases

Bashful as a lamb

Extremely shy or timid.

Example

The little girl was bashful as a lamb and hid behind her mother.

In one's shell

To be shy or introverted, avoiding social interaction.

Example

He tends to stay in his shell at parties and doesn't talk much.

Like a deer caught in headlights

To be frozen or paralyzed with fear or shyness.

Example

When asked to speak in front of a large audience, she stood there like a deer caught in headlights.

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