shy

[ʃaɪ]

shy Definition

• 1. nervous or timid in the company of other people
• 2. having a disposition to avoid contact or familiarity with others

Using shy: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shy" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  She's too shy to speak up in public.

• Example

  He's always been shy around girls.

• Example

  The cat is shy and hides under the bed when guests come over.

shy Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shy

• timid
• bashful
• reserved
• reticent
• diffident

Antonyms for shy

• bold
• confident
• outgoing

Phrases with shy

• shy away from

  to avoid doing something because of fear or uncertainty

  Example

  Don't shy away from asking for help if you need it.

• shy of

  slightly less than; not quite reaching

  Example

  The company fell shy of its sales target for the year.

• shy bladder

  a condition where a person is unable to urinate in the presence of others

  Example

  He suffers from shy bladder syndrome and can't use public restrooms.

Origins of shy

from Old English 'sceoh', meaning 'timid, easily frightened'

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Summary: shy in Brief

The adjective 'shy' [ʃaɪ] describes a person who is nervous or timid in social situations, often avoiding contact with others. It can be used to describe a person's disposition, as in 'He's always been shy around girls.' 'Shy' also appears in phrases like 'shy away from,' meaning to avoid doing something due to fear or uncertainty, and 'shy of,' meaning slightly less than. A related condition is 'shy bladder,' where a person is unable to urinate in the presence of others.