Word
coy
US/ˈkɔɪ/
UK/kˈɔɪ/
Definition
adj. pretending to be shy or modest to get someone's attention. You might also use it when someone is being secretive about information in a playful way.
adj. making a pretense of shyness or modesty that is intended to be alluring. Often describes a refusal to give a straight answer about a specific topic to maintain interest or mystery.
Examples
“She gave him a coy smile from across the room.”
“The director was coy about the film's budget, refusing to confirm the exact figures during the interview.”
“By remaining coy regarding her political ambitions, the senator managed to dominate the news cycle without committing to a formal campaign or facing early scrutiny from her rivals.”
Examples
simple
“She gave him a coy smile from across the room.”
contextual
“The director was coy about the film's budget, refusing to confirm the exact figures during the interview.”
complex
“By remaining coy regarding her political ambitions, the senator managed to dominate the news cycle without committing to a formal campaign or facing early scrutiny from her rivals.”
Usage
Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'act', or 'remain'.
Real-World Examples
“The three-time mayor has been coy about whether he will stand again, and said he would make a decision next year.” “She is dating and “so happy” about it, though she is coy when pressed about the details.” Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/coy