shy
8 antonyms and opposites of shy, grouped by meaning.
Adj — Nervous or uncomfortable around other people; reluctant to draw attention to oneself.
Antonyms
How to use shy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English sceoh, "timid, easily frightened."
Full origin of shy →Frequently asked questions
What does “shy” mean?
The word “shy” means nervous or uncomfortable around other people; reluctant to draw attention to oneself. In plain terms, nervous about social attention, or (informally) just under a certain number.
How do you pronounce “shy”?
“Shy” is pronounced sheye (/ʃaɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “shy” in a sentence?
Here is “shy” used in a sentence: “He was too shy to ask her to dance.”
What is another word for “shy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shy” include abashed, backward, bashful, bookish, coy and distant.
What is the opposite of “shy”?
The opposite of “shy” — its antonyms — are audacious, barefaced, brazen, bold and impudent.
What part of speech is “shy”?
Depending on how it is used, “shy” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “shy” come from?
The word “shy” comes from Old English. From Old English sceoh, "timid, easily frightened.".
Is “shy” a common word?
“Shy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between "shy" and "introverted"?
Being "shy" means feeling nervous or uncomfortable around other people and reluctant to draw attention to oneself. Being introverted is about preferring quieter, solitary settings to recharge, and an introvert need not feel nervous socially.
What is the difference between "shy" and "timid"?
"Timid" suggests a general lack of courage or a fearful nature in many situations. "Shy" is more specifically about being nervous or self-conscious around other people.
Can "shy" describe more than being nervous around people?
Yes. Besides meaning nervous or reluctant to draw attention, "shy" can mean just short of an amount, as in a week shy of her birthday or an inch shy of a meter.