English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word shy in English

What does shy mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

shy

US /ʃaɪ/
UK /ʃaɪ/
"shy" picture

Adjective

1.

nervous or timid in the company of other people.

Example:
•
She was too shy to ask him to dance.
•
He's a very shy child.
Synonym:
timid reserved introverted bashful diffident
Antonym:
confident outgoing bold extroverted gregarious
2.

easily startled; wary.

Example:
•
The deer was very shy and ran away at the slightest noise.
•
Wild animals are often shy of humans.
Synonym:
wary cautious apprehensive skittish timorous
Antonym:
bold brave daring

Verb

1.

to throw (something) with a sudden, swift movement.

Example:
•
He shied a stone at the dog.
•
She shied the ball into the net.
Synonym:
throw fling hurl toss cast
2.

(of a horse) start suddenly aside from an object or noise due to nervousness.

Example:
•
The horse shied at the sudden movement.
•
The young colt would often shy at shadows.
Synonym:
startle flinch recoil balk frighten

Noun

a sudden movement aside, especially by a horse.

Example:
•
The horse made a sudden shy and nearly unseated its rider.
•
A sudden shy from the dog made the cat jump.
Synonym:
start flinch recoil jump fright
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Related Word:
fight shy of