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Coy: meaning, definitions and examples

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coy

 

[ kɔɪ ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

animal behavior

shy or reserved; showing reluctance to make a definite commitment

Synonyms

bashful, reserved, reticent, shy.

Examples of usage

  • The coy cat hid behind the bushes before approaching the food.
  • She gave him a coy smile before turning away.
Context #2 | Adjective

flirting

pretending to be shy or modest in an attempt to be alluring

Synonyms

coquettish, flirtatious, teasing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
coy

When someone is shy or pretending to be shy in a playful or flirtatious way.

  • She gave a coy smile when he complimented her.
  • He acted coy when asked about his new relationship.
flirtatious

Used to describe someone who shows interest in others through playful or suggestive behavior.

  • He was very flirtatious with all the waitresses.
  • Her flirtatious laugh drew people to her.
coquettish

Describes someone, usually a woman, who behaves in a playful or flirtatious manner to attract attention.

  • Her coquettish glance caught everyone's eye at the party.
  • She waltzed around the room in a coquettish manner.
teasing

When someone makes playful remarks or jokes to provoke or challenge someone else, sometimes with a bit of mischief.

  • He was teasing her about her new haircut.
  • Their constant teasing shows how comfortable they are with each other.

Examples of usage

  • She played coy, pretending not to notice his advances.
  • He enjoyed her coy teasing during their conversation.

Translations

Translations of the word "coy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tímido

🇮🇳 संकोची

🇩🇪 schüchtern

🇮🇩 pemalu

🇺🇦 сором'язливий

🇵🇱 nieśmiały

🇯🇵 内気な (うちきな)

🇫🇷 timide

🇪🇸 tímido

🇹🇷 utangaç

🇰🇷 수줍어하는

🇸🇦 خجول

🇨🇿 plachý

🇸🇰 plachý

🇨🇳 害羞的 (hàixiū de)

🇸🇮 sramežljiv

🇮🇸 feiminn

🇰🇿 ұялшақ

🇬🇪 მორცხვი

🇦🇿 utancaq

🇲🇽 tímido

Etymology

The word 'coy' originated in the 14th century from the Old French word 'coi', meaning quiet or still. Over time, it evolved to describe someone who is shy or pretending to be shy in a flirtatious manner. The term has been widely used in literature and poetry to depict subtle and alluring behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,304, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.