A Word A Day : Coy



Monday, 14th April 2008 : Today's Word is ...

Coy




( Adjective )


Comparative : coyer
Superlative : coyest


Pronunciation : k-oy


Definition:



1. annoyingly reluctant to make a commitment or to divulge something

2. pretending, in a teasing or provocative way, to be reserved or modest

3. shy or reserved in social situations

4. pretending to be shy


Etymology:


14th century - Via French - coi - quiet - Latin quietus


Synonyms:


backward, bashful, demure, diffident, modest, retiring, self-effacing, shy, timid, coquettish, flirtatious, flirty


Antonyms:


aggressive, forward, immodest, impudent, unshy


Contextual Examples:


• The child appeared coy but was really planning her next adventure.

• The mayor was coy about his future political aspirations.

• A horse was in waiting to receive the princess who was mounted behind one of the clerks and thus conveyed, coy but compliant to the fortress.

• His work is like exquisite modern Latin verse into the academic shape of which, discreet and coy, comes a sincere, deeply felt consciousness of modern life, of the modern world as it is.


Related Words:


coyness : Noun

coyly : Adverb

coyish : Adjective


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