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coyness

/koi/US // kɔɪ //UK // (kɔɪ) //

腼腆,忸怩作态,羞涩,胆怯

Related Words

Definitions

adj.形容词 adjective
  1. 1

    coy·er, coy·est.

    • : artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.
    • : shy; modest.
    • : 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.
    • : Archaic. disdainful; aloof.
    • : Obsolete. quiet; reserved.
v.无主动词 verb
  1. 1
    • : Archaic. to act in a coy manner.
v.有主动词 verb
  1. 1

    Obsolete.

    • : to quiet; soothe.
    • : to pat; caress.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Examples

  • Sarah Palin hit Oprah with a power suit perfectly designed to project coyness.

  • In general, the girl-child, when in love, displays far less coyness and reserve than the young woman.

  • "Well, I'm sure you're among friends when you're here," Mrs. O'Brien said with a downcast look of melting coyness.

  • We struck up an acquaintance with him, after a few days of coyness on his part, and finally made him a friend.

  • Maiden coyness and love of liberty might make her as willing to elude his approach as her friends could wish.

  • Mrs. Butters' coyness and refusal to be embraced because of the flask of coffee in her bosom is an instance of this.