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
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'
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.'
