coy

[kɔɪ]

coy Definition

  • 1making a pretense of shyness or modesty that is intended to be alluring
  • 2reluctant to give details, especially about something regarded as sensitive

Using coy: Examples

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

  • Example

    She gave him a coy smile.

  • Example

    He was coy about his income.

  • Example

    The company was coy about its plans for expansion.

coy Synonyms and Antonyms

Idioms Using coy

  • play coy

    to act shy or reluctant, often with the intention of being alluring or flirtatious

    Example

    She played coy when he asked her out on a date.

  • refusing to answer questions directly or provide details, often with the intention of being alluring or mysterious

    Example

    The CEO's coy and evasive answers to questions about the company's finances only raised suspicions.

  • a smile that is intended to be flirtatious or alluring, often involving a slight tilt of the head and a sidelong glance

    Example

    She gave him a coy smile and walked away.

Phrases with coy

  • a sidelong glance that is intended to be flirtatious or alluring

    Example

    She gave him a coy look and turned away.

  • behavior that is intended to be alluring or flirtatious, often involving feigned shyness or modesty

    Example

    Her coy behavior only made him more interested in her.

  • an attitude of reluctance or unwillingness to reveal information or details, often with the intention of being alluring or mysterious

    Example

    The politician's coy attitude towards his plans for the future only fueled speculation.

Origins of coy

from Old French 'coi', meaning 'quiet'

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Summary: coy in Brief

'Coy' [kɔɪ] describes behavior that is intended to be alluring or flirtatious, often involving feigned shyness or modesty. It can also refer to an attitude of reluctance or unwillingness to reveal information or details, often with the intention of being alluring or mysterious. Examples include 'She gave him a coy smile' and 'The politician's coy attitude towards his plans for the future only fueled speculation.'