51Թ

Advertisement

View synonyms for

coy

[koi]

adjective

coyer, coyest 
  1. artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.

  2. shy; modest.

    Synonyms: , , ,
  3. showing reluctance, especially 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)

  1. Archaic.to act in a coy manner.

verb (used with object)

Obsolete.
  1. to quiet; soothe.

  2. to pat; caress.

coy

1

/ ɔɪ /

adjective

  1. (usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner

  2. shy; modest

  3. evasive, esp in an annoying way

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Coy.

2

abbreviation

  1. company

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Other 51Թ Forms

  • coyish adjective
  • coyishness noun
  • coyly adverb
  • coyness noun
  • overcoy adjective
  • overcoyness noun
  • uncoy adjective
  • uncoyness noun
  • ˈDz⾱ adjective
  • ˈDz adverb
  • ˈDzԱ noun
Discover More

51Թ History and Origins

Origin of coy1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Anglo-French coi, quoy “calm,” Old French quei, from unattested Vulgar Latin ŧٳܲ, for Latin ܾŧٳܲ quiet
Discover More

51Թ History and Origins

Origin of coy1

C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin ܾŧٳܲ quiet
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Many candidates spend years running for the White House, and much longer if you count the coy “maybe” period.

From

Hernandez herself is just as coy, slipping in enough truth to snare the viewer and keep them mesmerized against a chilly, bare synth score.

From

And while some may be coy about who is behind this supposed oppression of men, realistically, there can only be one answer: women.

From

If the brothers are coy and circumspect about their personal lives, their working relationship is slightly less obtuse.

From

Republicans have played coy with their plans to gut the program, with many telling constituents that they don’t plan to cut benefits for anyone who legitimately qualifies.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Coxwell chaircoydog