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coyness

coy
C c

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • UK Pronunciation
    • UK IPA
    • [koi]
    • /kɔɪ/
    • /ˈkɔɪ.nəs/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [koi]
    • /kɔɪ/

Definitions of coyness word

  • adjective coyness artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish. 1
  • adjective coyness shy; modest. 1
  • adjective coyness 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 coyness Archaic. disdainful; aloof. 1
  • adjective coyness Obsolete. quiet; reserved. 1
  • verb without object coyness Archaic. to act in a coy manner. 1

Information block about the term

Origin of coyness

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 Coyness

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

coyness 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.
According to our data about 57% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

coyness usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for coyness

noun coyness

  • diffidence — the quality or state of being diffident.
  • modesty — the quality of being modest; freedom from vanity, boastfulness, etc.
  • demureness — characterized by shyness and modesty; reserved.
  • timidity — lacking in self-assurance, courage, or bravery; easily alarmed; timorous; shy.
  • bashful — Someone who is bashful is shy and easily embarrassed.

Antonyms for coyness

noun coyness

  • boldness — not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring: a bold hero.
  • confidence — If you have confidence in someone, you feel that you can trust them.
  • prideThomas, died 1658, English soldier and regicide.

Top questions with coyness

  • what does coyness mean?

See also

Matching words

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