coy

IPA/kɔɪ/
KK[kˈɔɪ]IPA/kɔɪ/

coy — adjective

  • coypositive
  • coyercomparative
  • coyestsuperlative

1. not giving a direct answer or full details because you want to hide what you kno

1.形容詞C2
釋義

not giving a direct answer or full details because you want to hide what you know, think, or plan

例句

Aylin was coy about her salary when the team compared offers.

be coy about + private information

Asked about the launch date, the company stayed coy until noon.

stay coy about business plans

同義詞
  • evasive

    more directly about avoiding an answer; coy can sound slightly playful or teasing

  • guarded

    suggests careful self-protection; coy is often lighter or more deliberate in tone

  • noncommittal

    focuses on not showing a firm opinion or decision

反義詞
  • direct

    answering clearly and without holding information back

  • open

    willing to share feelings or facts freely

文法句型

be coy about + noun

be coy about + wh-clause

用法筆記

Most often used when someone avoids being clear about plans, money, relationships, or opinions. It commonly appears with about, and it suggests deliberate evasiveness rather than simple uncertainty.

常見錯誤

❌She was coy about joining the club.
✅She was hesitant about joining the club.
💡'coy' suggests hiding a real answer or playing hard to read, not simply being unsure.

2. acting shy in a playful, slightly staged way so that other people find you attra

2.形容詞C2
釋義

acting shy in a playful, slightly staged way so that other people find you attractive or charming

例句

Ayana gave a coy laugh when Niran praised her painting.

coy + laugh after praise

After class, Anjali looked coy when Daniel asked her out.

look coy in a romantic moment

同義詞
  • flirtatious

    more openly trying to attract romantic attention

  • demure

    suggests quiet modesty; coy often feels more staged or teasing

  • shy

    broader and more natural; coy adds a playful or affected quality

反義詞
  • bold

    showing interest or feelings openly and confidently

  • open

    not hiding attraction behind playful reserve

文法句型

look coy

sound coy

coy + smile/laugh/shrug

用法筆記

Often used for looks, smiles, laughs, or short replies in social or romantic situations. It can sound mildly disapproving when the shyness feels performed rather than natural.

常見錯誤

❌He felt coy before the exam.
✅He felt shy before the exam.
💡this sense is playful, attention-drawing shyness in a social moment, not ordinary nervousness.