What is “Shy”?
Definition:
Shy is an adjective that describes someone who feels nervous, uncomfortable, or awkward around others, especially in new or social situations.
In simple words: A shy person is someone who feels scared or quiet when talking to others.
Pronunciation:
- IPA: /ʃaɪ/
- Spoken: “shy”
Grammatical Formation:
- Part of speech: Adjective
- Forms: shy (positive), shyer (comparative), shyest (superlative)
- “She is shy.”
- “He is shyer than his brother.”
- “Among the group, she was the shyest.”
Synonyms:
timid, bashful, reserved, self-conscious, quiet, withdrawn
Antonyms:
bold, confident, outgoing, extroverted, assertive
Related Terms:
shyness, shyly, introvert, stage fright, social anxiety
Common Collocations:
- shy smile
- shy glance
- shy away from
- shy child
- painfully shy
- naturally shy
Idiomatic Usage & Expressions:
- “Shy away from (something)”
Meaning: To avoid something due to fear or discomfort
Example: “He shied away from public speaking.” - “Painfully shy”
Meaning: Extremely shy to the point of difficulty in social interaction
Example: “As a child, she was painfully shy and rarely spoke in class.” - “Shy of (something)”
Meaning: Slightly less than or lacking
Example: “The total was just shy of a million dollars.”
Sample Sentences (Simple English):
- “The little girl is shy and doesn’t talk much to strangers.”
- “He gave a shy smile when he met her.”
- “I used to be shy, but now I enjoy talking to people.”
- “Some people are shy around new friends.”
- “She shied away from the camera because she felt embarrassed.”
Summary:
The word shy is used to describe someone who feels nervous or uncomfortable in social situations. It can be applied to both children and adults and is often linked to quietness, fear of judgment, or lack of confidence. Understanding and using the word shy helps in expressing emotions or describing behavior related to social interaction.