What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shyly
Example
She smiled shyly when he complimented her dress. [shyly: adverb]
Example
He shyly asked her out on a date. [shyly: adverb]
coyly
Example
She looked at him coyly and twirled her hair. [coyly: adverb]
Example
He spoke coyly, hinting at his attraction to her. [coyly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shyly is more commonly used than coyly in everyday language. Shyly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while coyly is less common and refers to a specific type of behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shyly and coyly?
Both shyly and coyly are typically associated with an informal or casual tone, but coyly can also be used in a more formal or literary context to describe a character's behavior or personality.
