A1 adjective Neutral #2,664 most common

shy

/ʃaɪ/

Shy describes a person who feels nervous, uncomfortable, or timid around other people. It often involves a lack of confidence in social situations or a hesitation to speak and interact with strangers.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The little girl is very shy and hides behind her mother when guests arrive.

The little girl is very shy and hides behind her mother when guests arrive.

2

He was too shy to present his findings to the board of directors during the meeting.

He was too shy to present his findings to the board of directors during the meeting.

3

Don't be shy, come and grab a slice of pizza before it's all gone!

Don't be shy, come and grab a slice of pizza before it's all gone!

Word Family

Noun
shyness
Verb
shy
Adverb
shyly
Adjective
shy
Related
null
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Memory Tip

Think of the word 'shy' and 'eye'. A shy person often finds it hard to look someone in the eye.

Quick Quiz

Peter didn't want to dance because he was too ____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: shy

Examples

1

The little girl is very shy and hides behind her mother when guests arrive.

everyday

The little girl is very shy and hides behind her mother when guests arrive.

2

He was too shy to present his findings to the board of directors during the meeting.

formal

He was too shy to present his findings to the board of directors during the meeting.

3

Don't be shy, come and grab a slice of pizza before it's all gone!

informal

Don't be shy, come and grab a slice of pizza before it's all gone!

4

Research suggests that shy students may require more time to participate in classroom discussions.

academic

Research suggests that shy students may require more time to participate in classroom discussions.

5

Networking events can be quite challenging for a shy professional trying to build connections.

business

Networking events can be quite challenging for a shy professional trying to build connections.

Word Family

Noun
shyness
Verb
shy
Adverb
shyly
Adjective
shy
Related
null

Common Collocations

feel shy to experience shyness
painfully shy extremely or uncomfortably shy
shy smile a hesitant or modest smile
act shy to behave in a nervous or timid way
shy child a child who is nervous around others

Common Phrases

Once bitten, twice shy

Being extra cautious after having a bad experience

Shy away from

To avoid doing something because you are nervous or afraid

Camera-shy

Disliking or avoiding being photographed or filmed

Often Confused With

shy vs quiet

Quiet refers to making little noise, whereas shy refers to a feeling of nervousness or fear in social situations.

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Usage Notes

Shy is typically used to describe a personality trait. While often used for children, it is also frequently used for adults who find social interaction difficult.

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Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 'shy' with 'ashamed'. If you are shy, you are nervous; if you are ashamed, you feel bad about something you did wrong.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'shy' and 'eye'. A shy person often finds it hard to look someone in the eye.

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Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'sceoh', meaning 'timid' or 'easily frightened'.

Grammar Patterns

shy about + [verb-ing/noun] shy with [people] too shy to [verb]
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Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, shyness is sometimes seen as a trait to overcome, whereas in some Eastern cultures, it may be associated with modesty and respect.

Quick Quiz

Peter didn't want to dance because he was too ____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: shy

Related Words

blacklist

B2

To put a person, organization, or country on a list of those who are considered unacceptable and should be avoided or excluded from certain activities or privileges. It is often used to describe the denial of employment, trade, or participation based on previous behavior or reputation.

blackmailer

B2

A person who demands money, favors, or specific actions from someone by threatening to reveal damaging secrets or private information about them. It refers to an individual who practices extortion through psychological or reputational leverage.

blackout

B2

A blackout refers to a temporary loss of electrical power over an area or a sudden failure of memory or consciousness in an individual. It can also describe a period of censorship where information or news is intentionally suppressed by an authority.

blackthorn

B2

A thorny deciduous shrub or small tree of the rose family, native to Europe and western Asia, which produces white flowers in early spring and small, bitter, dark blue fruits known as sloes. It is frequently used for creating dense, prickly hedges and is well-known for providing the wood used in traditional Irish walking sticks.

bladder

B2

To swell, puff out, or expand like a balloon, often used in technical contexts to describe membranes filling with air or liquid. Informally, it can also refer to talking at length without much substance or meaning.

blame

B2

To consider or state that someone or something is responsible for a mistake, failure, or negative situation. It involves attributing the cause of a problem to a specific person, group, or factor.

blameless

B2

Describes someone who has done nothing wrong and cannot be held responsible for a bad situation or mistake. It is often used to emphasize a person's innocence or their morally upright character.

blameworthy

B2

Deserving of blame, criticism, or censure because of wrong or negligent behavior. It is often used to describe actions or individuals that are morally or legally responsible for a negative outcome.

blandness

B2

Blandness refers to the quality of being uninteresting, dull, or lacking in strong features and characteristics. In a culinary context, it describes food that lacks flavor or seasoning, while in a general context, it describes things that are mediocre or devoid of personality.

blank

B2

Describes a surface that has no writing, images, or marks on it, or a state of mind where one cannot remember or think of anything. It is frequently used to describe paper, screens, or facial expressions that lack emotion or understanding.

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