Shy: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who feels nervous or uncomfortable with people, especially strangers.

• She is too shy to speak up in class.
• A shy boy hid behind his mother.

Implies a lack of confidence and is often used when someone is easily frightened or feels inferior. It can have a negative connotation.

• The timid kitten hid under the couch.
• His timid response showed his uncertainty.

Describes someone who is more restrained in behavior and unlikely to reveal their thoughts or feelings easily. It can imply a deliberate choice rather than just nervousness.

• He is quite reserved, rarely sharing personal details.
• Her reserved nature makes her seem quite mysterious.

Often implies a sweet or charming innocence and is used for someone who is shy in a more tender or naive way.

• The bashful girl blushed when she received the compliment.
• Bashful children tend to hide their faces.

Commonly used to describe someone who feels nervous or uncomfortable around others, especially in social situations. It can also be used for children or people who do not like talking much.

• She was too shy to introduce herself at the party
• The child was shy and clung to his mother's leg when meeting new people

Used to describe someone who is unsure or doubtful about doing something, often pausing before taking action. This word conveys uncertainty or a lack of confidence.

• He was hesitant about asking his boss for a raise
• She gave him a hesitant smile, unsure of his intentions

Indicates a strong refusal or lack of desire to do something. It carries a more negative connotation than 'reluctant' and suggests a firm decision not to act.

• He was unwilling to let go of his old habits, despite their negative effects
• The employee was unwilling to work overtime without extra pay

Describes someone who is unwilling to do something or is not eager to participate in a particular activity. It often implies a stronger resistance than 'hesitant'.

• She was reluctant to accept the new job offer because of the long commute
• He was reluctant to lend money to his friend after the last experience

Use this word to describe someone who is nervous or uncomfortable around other people, often avoiding social interactions. It can also describe an action of avoiding something due to fear or embarrassment.

• She felt too shy to speak in front of the class.
• The dog was shy and hid under the table when strangers came.

This word describes something that is hanging down or sagging due to weakness, lack of support, or weight. It is often used for plants, body parts, or objects.

• The flowers were drooping because they hadn't been watered.
• Her eyelids were drooping from exhaustion.

People use this word to describe the action of changing the shape of something by applying force, usually in reference to objects or plants. It can also refer to adapting to new conditions or situations.

• The tree was bending under the weight of the snow.
• He is good at bending the rules to suit his needs.

This term refers to having a tendency or leaning towards something, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense. It can describe both objects and personal preferences or inclinations.

• The path started to incline sharply uphill.
• She's always been inclined to help others in need.