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Shyness: meaning, definitions and examples

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shyness

 

[ ˈʃaɪnɪs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Shyness is the feeling of being nervous or timid when around other people, especially in unfamiliar situations.

Synonyms

bashfulness, timidity, timorousness

Examples of usage

  • Her shyness often prevented her from speaking up in class meetings.
  • His shyness made it difficult for him to make new friends.
Context #2 | Noun

personality trait

Shyness can also refer to a personality trait characterized by a tendency to feel nervous or timid in social situations.

Synonyms

introversion, reservedness, reticence

Examples of usage

  • Her shyness is part of her charm.
  • Despite his shyness, he was a great listener.

Etymology

The word 'shyness' originated from the Old English word 'scynnes', meaning 'shame' or 'disgrace'. Over time, its meaning evolved to represent a feeling of timidity or nervousness in social situations. Shyness is a common human trait experienced by people of all ages and backgrounds.

See also: shyly.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,996, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.