What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
coyness
Example
She smiled with coyness, playing hard to get. [coyness: noun]
Example
He was being coy about his true intentions. [coy: adjective]
shyness
Example
Her shyness made it difficult for her to make friends. [shyness: noun]
Example
He was too shy to speak up in front of the group. [shy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shyness is more commonly used than coyness in everyday language. Shyness is a common personality trait that affects many people, while coyness is a less common behavior that is often associated with flirting or teasing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between coyness and shyness?
Both coyness and shyness are informal words that are used in casual conversations. However, shyness can also be used in formal contexts to describe a personality trait or behavior.
