shy
shy
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "shy" is /ʃaɪ/.
/ʃaɪ/ - This word has only one syllable, composed of:
/ʃ/ - voiceless postalveolar fricative
/aɪ/ - diphthong (as in "my" or "high")
Word Form Variations
Adjective: shy (base form)
Comparative Adjective: shyer
Superlative Adjective: shyest
Adverb: shyly
Noun: shyness
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Feeling or showing nervousness, discomfort, or reticence in the presence of others, especially strangers or in social situations; easily frightened or startled.
Synonyms: timid, introverted, reserved, diffident, bashful, hesitant
Antonyms: bold, outgoing, confident, extroverted, assertive, gregarious
Definition 2: (Of an animal) wary or easily startled; tending to avoid human contact.
Synonyms: skittish, timid, wary, wild, reclusive
Antonyms: tame, docile, friendly, bold
Definition 3: (Informal) Lacking or falling short of a specified amount or standard; a little bit less than.
Synonyms: short, lacking, deficient, wanting, inadequate
Antonyms: ample, sufficient, abundant, surplus
Verb
Definition 1: To recoil or flinch suddenly out of nervousness, fear, or apprehension. (Often used with "away" or "at")
Synonyms: recoil, flinch, wince, startle, demur, balk
Antonyms: approach, confront, face, advance, embrace
Definition 2: (Of a horse or other animal) To suddenly turn aside or away from something due to fear or nervousness.
Synonyms: bolt, spook, start, jump, recoil
Antonyms: proceed, calm, ignore
Noun
Definition 1: A sudden movement or flinch, especially from fear or nervousness.
Synonyms: start, flinch, wince, recoil, jump
Antonyms: stillness, steadiness, composure
Examples of Use
Books: "He was always a rather shy boy, preferring the company of his books to boisterous games with other children" (J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, June 1997).
Newspapers: "The central bank may be shy of raising interest rates too quickly, fearing a slowdown in economic growth" (The Wall Street Journal).
Online Publications: "Despite her immense talent, the singer remains notoriously shy, rarely granting interviews or appearing on talk shows" (Pitchfork).
Entertainment Mediums (Film): In the film Amelie, the titular character is often depicted as shy and introverted, observing the world around her from a distance (Miramax Films, April 2001).
Entertainment Platforms (Television Series): "She was a bit shy at first, but once she got to know the team, her true personality began to shine" (Dialogue from an episode of Ted Lasso, Apple TV+, October 2020).
General Public Discourse: "My cat is really shy around strangers, she'll always hide under the bed when we have guests over." (Heard in conversation).
General Public Discourse: "The government seems a bit shy about committing to a firm deadline for the project." (Comment made during a public forum).
10 Quotes Using Shy
"Be shy of using the word 'impossible.'" (Charles Chaplin)
"I was painfully shy growing up." (Lady Gaga, Vogue, November 2011)
"I'm very shy by nature, and I had to work very hard to overcome my shyness." (George Harrison, Interview, 1987)
"I used to be very shy and quiet, but I've learned to open up." (Emma Watson, Seventeen, July 2009)
"I'm quite a shy person in real life." (Daniel Radcliffe, The Guardian, November 2013)
"I'm not shy. I'm a performer." (Beyoncé, Essence, June 2008)
"I was a very shy child, and I loved to read." (Stephen King, Interview, 2009)
"Don't be shy; the greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge." (Stephen Hawking, Brief Answers to the Big Questions, 2018)
"I was a very shy and awkward girl." (Jane Goodall, My Life with the Chimpanzees, 1988)
"I'm not shy, but I'm not a big social butterfly either." (Jennifer Lawrence, Interview, 2012)
Etymology
The word "shy" has a long history, tracing its roots back to Old English.
It comes from the Old English word "scēoh" (pronounced something like "sh-yay" or "sh-yo"). This word had a very similar meaning to our modern "shy," referring to being timid, easily startled, or easily frightened.
The first known uses of "scēoh" appeared in written records around the 9th century. It was often used to describe animals that were skittish or nervous, like a "shy horse," but also to describe people who were timid or hesitant.
Over time, as English evolved, "scēoh" changed its spelling and pronunciation, eventually becoming "shy" as we know it today. The core meaning of being timid, reserved, or easily startled has remained remarkably consistent throughout its history.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Shy
Shy away from: To avoid something because of nervousness, fear, or dislike.
A shy glance/smile: A hesitant or timid look or smile.
Once bitten, twice shy: After a bad experience, one is hesitant to try something similar again.
To be shy of (a certain amount/number): To be slightly less than a particular amount or number.
To fight shy of: To keep clear of; to avoid or shrink from.
Shy of a full deck: (Informal) Not mentally sound; a bit foolish.
Shy a mile: (Informal) To be far from achieving something or from a desired state.
Shy as a violet: Extremely timid or modest.
Don't be shy! An encouragement to speak up, participate, or take something.
Shy on details: Lacking sufficient information or specifics.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of shy from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
