What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shy
Example
She's too shy to speak up in front of a group. [shy: adjective]
Example
He always seems so shy around new people. [shy: adverb]
reserved
Example
She's reserved when it comes to discussing her personal life. [reserved: adjective]
Example
He's always been a bit reserved, preferring to listen rather than speak. [reserved: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reserved is more commonly used than shy in everyday language. Reserved is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, while shy is less common and tends to be associated with more specific situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between shy and reserved?
Both shy and reserved are relatively neutral in terms of formality, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
