shy

Definition

  • verb: to move away from something because of fear
  • verb: to develop or show a dislike or distaste
  • adjective: feeling nervous and uncomfortable about meeting and talking to people
  • adjective: easily frightened
  • usually used with 'from' or 'away from'
  • synonyms: timid, reserved, coy

Examples

  • He was two weeks 'shy of' his 19th birthday when he joined the army.

  • The ball stopped just a few inches 'shy of' the hole.

  • He's three credits 'shy of' his bachelor's degree.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) The Gelados graze alongside Walia ibex, which are also unique to these highlands. These rare creatures are usually very shy but they drop their guard when the Gelados are around. You might expect that grazers would avoid each other's patch but this is a special alliance (..)
    2006 TvShow: Planet Earth Title: Mountains Season: 1 Episode 2