coy

Meanings

1. 1adjectivecomparable

   Reluctant to give details, especially about something sensitive, often in a playful or evasive way.

   Grammar: Can describe answers, smiles, or people; the evasive use is often mildly disapproving.

   Patterns

   • be coy about something
   • a coy smile/answer
   • remain coy

   The company remained coy about its new product.

   She gave a coy smile and changed the subject.

   Politicians were coy when reporters asked about the deal.

2. 2adjectivecomparabledisapproving

   Pretending to be shy or modest, especially in a flirtatious way.

   Grammar: Often used of behavior meant to attract attention while seeming reserved.

   Patterns

   • play coy
   • a coy look
   • act coy

   Stop playing coy and tell me whether you like the idea.

   He noticed her coy glance across the room.

   The ad relies on a coy pose rather than clear information.

Word forms

Common combinations

coy about something

The studio is coy about the movie's ending.

play coy

Don't play coy; you already know the answer.

coy smile

A coy smile crossed her face when the secret came up.

remain coy

Officials remain coy on whether taxes will rise.

Synonyms and how they differ

evasive

Evasive is clearly negative and avoids answering; coy can be playful or flirtatious rather than simply dishonest.

shy

Shy is genuine discomfort with attention; coy can be a deliberate performance of shyness.

arch

Arch suggests a knowing, playful manner; coy is closer to feigned modesty or secrecy.

Opposites

Word family

coyly adverb

In a coy manner.

coyness noun

The quality of being coy.

Commonly confused: coy or coy?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “coy”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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