Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Popular Searches
Synonyms
Nearby Words

coyness

 - 2 dictionary results

coy

  [koi] adjective, -er, -est, verb
Use coyness in a Sentence
–adjective
1. artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.
2. shy; modest.
3. showing reluctance, esp. when insincere or affected, to reveal one's plans or opinions, make a commitment, or take a stand: The mayor was coy about his future political aspirations.
4. Archaic. disdainful; aloof.
5. Obsolete. quiet; reserved.
–verb (used without object)
6. Archaic. to act in a coy manner.
–verb (used with object) Obsolete.
7. to quiet; soothe.
8. to pat; caress.
Origin:
1300–50; ME < AF coi, quoy calm, OF quei < VL *quētus, for L quiētus quiet

Related forms:
coyish, adjective
coy⋅ish⋅ness, noun
coyly, adverb
coyness, noun

Synonyms:
2. retiring, diffident, bashful, demure.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To coyness
coy   (koi)   
adj.   coy·er, coy·est

  1. Tending to avoid people and social situations; reserved.

  2. Affectedly and usually flirtatiously shy or modest. See Synonyms at shy1.

  3. Annoyingly unwilling to make a commitment.


[Middle English, from Old French quei, coi, quiet, still, from Vulgar Latin *quētus, from Latin quiētus, past participle of quiēscere, to rest; see kweiə- in Indo-European roots.]
coy'ly adv., coy'ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see coyness on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way