Word
shyness
Phoneticsshy·ness, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈʃaɪnəs/
UK/ʃˈaɪnəs/
Definition
n. a feeling of being nervous or uncomfortable when you are around other people. It makes you want to stay quiet or hide when you meet new people.
n. a state of nervousness or hesitation in the presence of others, often resulting in a reluctance to speak or act. It is frequently associated with social anxiety or a lack of confidence.
Examples
“She felt a lot of shyness when she met the new boss.”
“The teacher noticed that the student's shyness prevented him from participating in the group discussion.”
“While some view shyness as a social disadvantage, others argue that it can be a protective trait that fosters deep, meaningful conversations rather than superficial small talk.”
Examples
simple
“She felt a lot of shyness when she met the new boss.”
contextual
“The teacher noticed that the student's shyness prevented him from participating in the group discussion.”
complex
“While some view shyness as a social disadvantage, others argue that it can be a protective trait that fosters deep, meaningful conversations rather than superficial small talk.”
Etymology
From shy + -ness.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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