|
| shy [ shī ] |
adjective (comparative shi·er or shy·er, superlative shi·est or shy·est) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. uncomfortable with others: reserved, diffident, and uncomfortable in the company of others
|
2. timid: easily frightened
  The deer were shy and ran when we tried to approach them.
|
3. cautious: unwilling to trust or put confidence in somebody or something
The children were shy of their new classmates.
|
4. reluctant: fearful of making a commitment
Don't be shy of speaking your mind.
|
5. short of something: short of the full or a particular amount
We are $100 shy of the down payment.
|
6. biology not reproducing easily: describes plants and animals that do not breed readily or freely
|
intransitive verb (past and past participle shied, present participle shy·ing, 3rd person present singular shies) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
1. move suddenly: to move suddenly in fright or alarm
The horse shied when the firecracker went off in the next field.
|
2. stay away: to avoid or evade something
He always shies away from public speaking.
|
noun (plural shies) |
|
| Definition: |
| |
sudden move: a sudden movement in fright or alarm
|
| [ Old English scēoh< Germanic] |
|
| shy·er noun |
| shy·ly adverb |
| shy·ness noun |
|
