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coyly
[ koi-lee ]
adverb
- in a hesitant or indirect manner:
The painting shows an eighteenth-century lady flirting with a coyly blushing young knight.
- in a shy or modest manner:
She read the note and thanked him coyly.
- in a way that shows usually insincere or affected reluctance:
When asked about the movie, she coyly replied, "It's a big secret; I’m not going to tell anybody."
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Other Words From
- o·ver·coy·ly adverb
- un·coy·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins
Origin of coyly1
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Example Sentences
Carter coyly characterizes the setting as “a room” and the time period as “yes.”
Somewhat coyly, Skidmore admits that “Richard was to break this solemn vow in spectacular style.”
If he coyly waffles this time around, his support will evaporate quicker than you can say Fred Thompson.
“I wish I could say it was...” another fan teases coyly, fully embracing the never-nude theme by going fully shirtless.
Verveer is headed for a prestigious think-tank spot, but she coyly provided no details.
Well, Mr. Robinson is a—sort of relation of yours; in fact—(playing with her rings and looking down coyly)—he is your—father.
Well, Mr. Robinson is a–sort of relation of yours; in fact–(playing with her rings and looking down coyly)–he is your–father.
Stars were bright, summer scents from the Kent cliffs mingled coyly with vulgar steamer-smells; the summer weather held immutably.
I fear that the one who loves you, and whom you loved ere you came to me, will be angry with me and curse me, she coyly answered.
But the daughter declined to be sold off in such a fashion unless—she coyly admitted—she could have half of the rum herself.
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