Shy touching herself. synonym quotations Shy, bashful, diffident imply a manner that shows discomfort or lack of confidence in association with others. If a horse shies, it moves…. Shy, bashful, diffident imply a manner that shows discomfort or lack of confidence in association with others. not confident, especially about meeting or talking to new people: 2. 2. Learn more. 1. He was too shy to ask her to dance with him. Someone who's extremely shy might blush or stammer when talking to a group of people. Shy implies a constitutional shrinking from contact or close association with others, together with a wish to escape notice: shy and retiring. . The deer were shy (= unwilling to be near people) and hid behind some trees. A shy person is nervous and uncomfortable in the company of other people. Children are often shy of/with people they don't know. This commonly occurs in new situations or with unfamiliar people; a shy person may simply opt to avoid these situations. She was a shy and retiring person off-stage. To move suddenly or draw back, as if startled or afraid: The horse shied at the loud sound. Shy can also mean "tending to avoid," like when someone is "camera shy," or if they " shy away" from being straightforward. shy, bashful, diffident, modest, coy mean not inclined to be forward. Shyness (also called diffidence) is the feeling of apprehension, lack of comfort, or awkwardness especially when a person is around other people. SHY definition: 1. While all these words mean "not inclined to be forward," shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others. Discover everything about the word "SHY" in English: meanings, translations, synonyms, pronunciations, examples, and grammar insights - all in one comprehensive guide. She gave a shy smile. Shy means being nervous or reserved around other people, especially in a social situation. shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others. shy, bashful, diffident, modest, coy mean not inclined to be forward. Find the latest iShares 1-3 Year Treasury Bond ETF (SHY) stock quote, history, news and other vital information to help you with your stock trading and investing. Oct 8, 2025 ยท shy (third-person singular simple present shies, present participle shying, simple past and past participle shied) (intransitive) To avoid due to caution, embarrassment or timidness. Some common synonyms of shy are bashful, coy, diffident, and modest. She was a shy, quiet-spoken girl. To avoid engaging in, treating, or discussing something: "a film adaptation that would not shy away from the novel's controversial themes" (Scot French). dwuopk1m5ob3x91ewxq9n7zog1jk9epbj5shetfyrsdw