coy
/kɔi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Affectedly modest, shy, or reserved: Behaving in a way that is deliberately shy, modest, or reserved, often in a manner that is playful or meant to be alluring.
- Reluctant to give specific information: Showing a marked, sometimes playful or evasive, unwillingness to make a definite statement or commitment.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- She gave him a coy smile from behind her fan.
- The company has been coy about its plans for a new product launch, revealing few details.
- He was being coy when asked about his romantic life, changing the subject with a laugh.
Advanced Usage
- "to play coy": To act in a deliberately shy, modest, or evasive manner, often to be charming or to avoid answering directly.
- Don't play coy with me; I know you heard the news.
- "coyly" (Adverb): In a coy manner.
- She glanced coyly over her shoulder.
Variants and Related Words
- Coyness (n): The quality of being coy.
- Her coyness only made him more interested.
Synonyms
- Demure: Reserved, modest, and shy.
- Coquettish: Behaving in a playful, flirtatious way.
- Evasive: Tending to avoid commitment or direct answers.
- Reticent: Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily.
Antonyms
- Bold: Confident and courageous; showing a willingness to take risks.
- Forthcoming: Ready and willing to give information; approachable.
- Brash: Self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "Coy as a kitten": Very shy or playfully evasive.
- When asked about the award, she was as coy as a kitten.
Adjective
- modestly or warily rejecting approaches or overtures
- like a wild young colt, very inquisitive but very coy and not to be easily cajoled
- showing marked and often playful or irritating evasiveness or reluctance to make a definite or committing statement
- a politician coy about his intentions
- affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way