Definition

1. Noun:
   • The affectation of being demure in a provocative way: A manner of pretending to be shy, modest, or reserved, often in a way that is intended to be alluring or flirtatious. It involves a studied or artificial shyness.

Usage

• Coyness is an uncountable noun used to describe a specific type of behavior or demeanor. It often carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, suggesting the behavior is not genuine but a calculated performance. It is typically used in social or romantic contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Her coyness was charming at first, but it soon became tiresome.
  • He saw through her coyness and recognized it as a deliberate tactic.
  • There was a certain coyness in her smile that intrigued him.

Advanced Usage

• "with coyness": behaving in a coy manner.
  • She answered his questions with a hint of coyness.
• "an air of coyness": a general impression or appearance of being coy.
  • She maintained an air of coyness throughout the interview.

Variants and Related Words

• Coy (adj): (of a person, especially a woman) making a pretence of shyness or modesty which is intended to be alluring.
  • She gave him a coy smile.
• Coyly (adv): in a coy manner.
  • She glanced coyly over her shoulder.

Synonyms

• Coquettishness: flirtatious behavior.
• Demureness: (when genuine) reserve, modesty, and shyness.
• Affected modesty: pretended shyness.
• Bashfulness: (when genuine) shyness and embarrassment.

Antonyms

• Boldness: willingness to take risks; confident courage.
• Forwardness: boldness or lack of modesty.
• Directness: straightforwardness and honesty in manner or speech.

Noun

1. the affectation of being demure in a provocative way