shy

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Synonyms 1.3.3 Antonyms 1.3.4 Derived terms 1.3.5 Translations 1.4 Verb 1.4.1 Translations 1.5 Noun 1.5.1 Derived terms 1.5.2 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Old English sceoh

[edit] Pronunciation

• IPA: /ʃaɪ/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -aɪ

[edit] Adjective

shy (comparative shier or shyer, superlative shiest or shyest)

1. Easily frightened; timid; as, a shy bird.
2. Reserved; coy; disinclined to familiar approach.
3. Cautious; wary; suspicious.
4. Short, insufficient or less than.

   It is just shy of a mile from here to their house.

5. Embarrassed

[edit] Usage notes

• Often used in combination with a noun to produce an adjective .
• Adjectives are usually applicable to animals ("leash-shy") or to children. Usage is comparable in meaning to words formed using -phobic or phrases using anxiety ("leash anxiety").

[edit] Synonyms

• reserved
• bashful
• timid
• demure
• See also Wikisaurus:shy

[edit] Antonyms

• brazen
• bold
• audacious

[edit] Derived terms

[edit] Translations

[edit] Verb

to shy (third-person singular simple present shies, present participle shying, simple past and past participle shied)

1. (intransitive) To avoid due to timidness or caution.

   I shy away from investment opportunities I don't understand.

2. (intransitive) To jump back in fear.

   The horse shied away from the rider, which startled him so much he shied away from the horse.

3. (transitive) to throw a ball or other missile at a target

[edit] Translations

[edit] Noun

shy (plural shies)

1. act of throwing
2. place for throwing

   coconut shy

[edit] Derived terms

• coconut shy

[edit] Translations