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View synonyms for coy

coy

[ koi ]

adjective

, coy·er, coy·est.
  1. artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.
  2. Synonyms: demure, bashful, diffident, retiring

  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

abbreviation for

  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


coy

2

/ kɔɪ /

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
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Derived Forms

  • ˈcoyish, adjective
  • ˈcoyly, adverb
  • ˈcoyness, noun
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Other Words From

  • coy·ish adjective
  • coy·ish·ness noun
  • coy·ly adverb
  • coy·ness noun
  • o·ver·coy adjective
  • o·ver·coy·ness noun
  • un·coy adjective
  • un·coy·ness noun
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Word 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 quētus, for Latin quiētus quiet
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Word History and Origins

Origin of coy1

C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētus quiet
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Example Sentences

Romney is coy at best about 2016, although his old running mate, Paul Ryan, wants him to run.

And, despite years of protests, the president remains maddeningly coy about the fate of the Keystone XL pipeline.

At his press conference, Obama was coy about future changes in immigration law through executive order.

Did Mia stop to think how her coy tease might be perceived by the widow Sinatra?

At least he isn't pulling a Taylor Swift and trying to be coy about who the song is about.

But Rosa had been too coy to Alfred's evident devotion—almost repellent at seasons.

He was among the fleetest, and after some coy dallying he stood still until the athletic Sioux came beside him.

In the mean time she is coy—awaiting the result of your search.

All which coy suggestions La Mothe Fnlon, astute courtier that he was, knew well how to answer.

It was common for coy damsels and staid matrons to wend their way to Lizzie's cot about twilight, to have their fortunes spaed.

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