coy

Meaning

Adj

1. Bashful, shy, retiring.
2. Quiet, reserved, modest.
3. Reluctant to give details about something sensitive; notably prudish.
4. Pretending shyness or modesty, especially in an insincere or flirtatious way.
5. Soft, gentle, hesitating.

Verb

1. (obsolete) To caress, pet; to coax, entice.
2. (obsolete) To calm or soothe.
3. (obsolete) To allure; to decoy.

Noun

A trap from which waterfowl may be hunted.

Noun

A company

Synonyms

shy

bashful

demure

timid

diffident

overmodest

reluctant

shamefaced

modest

reticent

delight

evasive

importunate

inaccessible

mincing

nice

pleasure

prissy

prudish

reserved

retiring

satisfaction

secluded

shamefacedly

taciturn

tempt

unsociable

be abashed

blushful

pudic

be modest

glance sideways

aloof

not demonstrative

backward

bashfully

be embarrassed

blushing

clinging

coax

coquettish

cute

decoy

Pronounced as (IPA)

/kɔɪ/

Etymology

From Middle English coy, from Old French coi, earlier quei (“quiet, still”), from Latin qu(i)ētus (“resting, at rest”). Doublet of quiet.