shy
Translation
shy, timid, bashful
Examples
The little girl is very shy around strangers.
The little girl is very shy around strangers.
He was too shy to ask her to dance.
He was too shy to ask her to dance.
Grammar Patterns
to be shy around ((sb.)) to be nervous with (sb.) The little girl is very shy around strangers.
to be shy to ((to-inf)) to be too timid to do (sth.) He was too shy to ask her to dance.
Similar Words
Synonyms: timid, bashful, reserved; Antonyms: outgoing, confident, bold
Etymology
From Old English 'sceoh', meaning 'timid, easily frightened'.
Memory Tips
Imagine someone hiding and saying 'shhh...' because they don't want to be noticed. The 'shy' sound is in the word.