shy

/ʃaɪ/
🔵 Intermediate

Word Statistics

Difficulty LevelIntermediate

Standard vocabulary

Word FrequencyVery Common

Used frequently in everyday conversation

Syllables1

Simple pronunciation

Analysis:

  • Common vocabulary word
  • Simple pronunciation
noun

1. An act of throwing.

2. A place for throwing.

"coconut shy"

3. A sudden start aside, as by a horse.

4. In the Eton College wall game, a point scored by lifting the ball against the wall in the calx.

verb

1. To avoid due to timidness or caution.

"I shy away from investment opportunities I don't understand."

2. To jump back in fear.

"The horse shied away from the rider, which startled him so much he shied away from the horse."

3. To throw sideways with a jerk; to fling

"shy a slipper"

adjective

1. Easily frightened; timid.

2. Reserved; disinclined to familiar approach.

"He is very shy with strangers."

3. Cautious; wary; suspicious.

4. Short, insufficient or less than.

"By our count your shipment came up two shy of the bill of lading amount."

5. Embarrassed.

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