|
shy1
|
|
- pronunciation:
- shaI
- parts of speech:
- adjective, intransitive verb, noun
- features:
- Word Combinations (adjective, verb, noun), Word Explorer
part of speech: |
adjective |
inflections: |
shier, shyer, shiest, shyest |
definition 1: |
reserved or ill at ease with other people; bashful.
She's too shy to talk to people at parties.
- synonyms:
- bashful, diffident, reserved, timid
- antonyms:
- bold, confident, obtrusive
- similar words:
- chary, demure, ill at ease, introvert, meek, reticent, retiring, self-conscious
|
definition 2: |
easily startled or frightened; timid.
A shy horse should not be ridden near traffic.- synonyms:
- skittish, timid, timorous, tremulous
- antonyms:
- bold
- similar words:
- coy, fearful, jumpy, mousy, nervous
|
definition 3: |
wary or suspicious.
She was shy of her rather shady landlord.- synonyms:
- cautious, chary, distrustful, leery, suspicious, wary
- antonyms:
- trustful
- similar words:
- anxious, apprehensive, uneasy
|
definition 4: |
deficient or falling short of an expected or necessary amount or number.
The team is still shy a few players, so they may not be able to compete this year.- synonyms:
- lacking, scant, short, under
- similar words:
- deficient, wanting
|
related words: |
aloof, antisocial, inadequate, modest, private, quiet, silent, suspicious, unassuming |
|
|
|
|
part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
inflections: |
shies, shying, shied |
definition 1: |
of horses, to jump or move suddenly, as if startled or frightened.
- similar words:
- balk, bolt, flinch, freak, jump, rear, start, startle, swerve, veer
|
definition 2: |
to draw back or away from, as in fear or distrust (often fol. by "away").
I tried to pet the cat, but it shied away.He tends to shy away from demanding social situations.- synonyms:
- recoil, shrink, start
- similar words:
- blench, cower, flinch, freak, quail, wince
|
related words: |
dodge, dread, efface, retreat |
|
|
|
part of speech: |
noun |
inflections: |
shies |
definition: |
an act of shying.
- synonyms:
- recoil, start
|
|
derivations: |
shyly (adv.), shyer (n.), shyness (n.) |
|
|