Coy: meaning, definitions and examples
😏
coy
[ kɔɪ ]
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.
flirting
pretending to be shy or modest in an attempt to be alluring
Synonyms
coquettish, flirtatious, teasing
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
- reservada
- acanhado
🇮🇳 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
Word origin
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.