shy
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 5The 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.
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.
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!
Synonyms
Word Family
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
The little girl is very shy and hides behind her mother when guests arrive.
everydayThe little girl is very shy and hides behind her mother when guests arrive.
He was too shy to present his findings to the board of directors during the meeting.
formalHe was too shy to present his findings to the board of directors during the meeting.
Don't be shy, come and grab a slice of pizza before it's all gone!
informalDon't be shy, come and grab a slice of pizza before it's all gone!
Research suggests that shy students may require more time to participate in classroom discussions.
academicResearch suggests that shy students may require more time to participate in classroom discussions.
Networking events can be quite challenging for a shy professional trying to build connections.
businessNetworking events can be quite challenging for a shy professional trying to build connections.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
Quiet refers to making little noise, whereas shy refers to a feeling of nervousness or fear in social situations.
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.
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.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'sceoh', meaning 'timid' or 'easily frightened'.
Grammar Patterns
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 Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
blacklist
B2To 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
B2A 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
B2A 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
B2A 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
B2To 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
B2To 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
B2Describes 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
B2Deserving 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
B2Blandness 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
B2Describes 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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