Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [koi]
- /kɔɪ/
- /kɔɪ/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [koi]
- /kɔɪ/
Definitions of coyly word
- adjective coyly artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish. 1
- adjective coyly shy; modest. 1
- adjective coyly 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. 1
- adjective coyly Archaic. disdainful; aloof. 1
- adjective coyly Obsolete. quiet; reserved. 1
- verb without object coyly Archaic. to act in a coy manner. 1
Information block about the term
Origin of coyly
First appearance:
before 1300 One of the 15% oldest English words
1300-50; Middle English < Anglo-French coi, quoy calm, Old French quei < Vulgar Latin *quētus, for Latin quiētus quiet1
Historical Comparancy
Parts of speech for Coyly
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
coyly popularity
A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 82% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.
Most Europeans know this English word. The frequency of it’s usage is somewhere between "mom" and "screwdriver".
coyly usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for coyly
adverb coyly
- shyly — bashful; retiring.
- bashfully — In a bashful manner.
- timidly — lacking in self-assurance, courage, or bravery; easily alarmed; timorous; shy.
- modestly — having or showing a moderate or humble estimate of one's merits, importance, etc.; free from vanity, egotism, boastfulness, or great pretensions.
- demurely — characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved.
Antonyms for coyly
adverb coyly
- brazenly — shameless or impudent: brazen presumption.
Top questions with coyly
- what does coyly mean?