Help center

Phrasal verbs "shy away from" vs "stay away from"

Differences between shy away from and stay away from

Shy away from means to avoid doing something because of fear or lack of confidence, while stay away from means to keep a distance from someone or something because it is dangerous or unpleasant.

Meanings and Definitions: shy away from vs stay away from

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Shy away from

  • 1Avoid doing something because you lack confidence.

    Many learners SHY AWAY FROM using phrasal verbs.

Stay away from

  • 1Avoid, not come.

    He told them to STAY AWAY FROM him.

Usage Examples: shy away from, stay away from in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

shy away from

Example

She always shies away from public speaking.

Example

He shies away from confrontations with his coworkers.

stay away from

Example

I always stay away from the edge of the cliff.

Example

She stays away from people who gossip.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Shy away from

avoid

To stay away from someone or something because you don't want to deal with it.

Example

She always avoids confrontation and tries to find a peaceful solution.

back down

To withdraw from a situation because of fear or lack of confidence.

Example

He didn't want to back down from the challenge, so he decided to face his fears and give it a try.

chicken out

To decide not to do something because of fear or lack of courage.

Example

He chickened out of the bungee jumping experience at the last minute and decided to watch from the sidelines.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Stay away from

keep clear of

To avoid getting involved with someone or something because it is dangerous or unpleasant.

Example

She always keeps clear of people who gossip and spread rumors.

steer clear of

To avoid someone or something that is likely to cause problems or trouble.

Example

He decided to steer clear of the party because he knew there would be alcohol and drugs.

give a wide berth to

To avoid someone or something completely.

Example

She always gives a wide berth to her ex-boyfriend because she doesn't want to see him again.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “stay”

Differences in shy away from vs stay away from: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: shy away from or stay away from?

Both phrases are commonly used in everyday conversation, but stay away from is more frequently used than shy away from. This is because stay away from is used in a wider range of situations, such as warning someone about a dangerous area or avoiding unhealthy food. Shy away from is more specific to situations where someone is hesitant or afraid to do something.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of shy away from and stay away from

Both shy away from and stay away from are informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, stay away from can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts when discussing safety precautions or avoiding risks.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of shy away from and stay away from

The tone of shy away from is often hesitant or fearful, while the tone of stay away from is more cautionary or protective.

shy away from & stay away from: Synonyms and Antonyms

Shy away from

Stay away from

Synonyms

Antonyms

This content was generated with the assistance of AI technology based on RedKiwi's unique learning data. By utilizing automated AI content, we can quickly deliver a wide range of highly accurate content to users. Experience the benefits of AI by having your questions answered and receiving reliable information!