coy

[ koi ]

/ kɔɪ /

adjective, coy·er, coy·est.

artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.

shy; modest.

showing reluctance, especially when insincere or affected, to reveal one's plans or opinions, make a commitment, or take a stand: The mayor was coy about his future political aspirations.

Archaic. disdainful; aloof.

Obsolete. quiet; reserved.

verb (used without object)

Archaic. to act in a coy manner.

verb (used with object) Obsolete.

to quiet; soothe.

to pat; caress.

Origin of coy

1300–50; Middle English < Anglo-French coi, quoy calm, Old French quei < Vulgar Latin *quētus, for Latin quiētus quiet¹

SYNONYMS FOR coy

2. retiring, diffident, bashful, demure.

Related forms

coy·ish, adjectivecoy·ish·ness, nouncoy·ly, adverbcoy·ness, noun

o·ver·coy, adjectiveo·ver·coy·ly, adverbo·ver·coy·ness, nounun·coy, adjectiveun·coy·ly, adverbun·coy·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for coyly

Carter coyly characterizes the setting as “a room” and the time period as “yes.”
The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson (And Tolstoy and Dickens)|Samuel Fragoso|October 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
If he coyly waffles this time around, his support will evaporate quicker than you can say Fred Thompson.
Reanimated and Ready: The Unstoppable Huckenstein|James Poulos|January 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Verveer is headed for a prestigious think-tank spot, but she coyly provided no details.
John Kerry vs. Bob Woodward|Lloyd Grove|January 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Coyly, Rosenfeld chooses does not to identify whom he believes were the true subversives.
The FBI’s Harassment and Spying on 1960s Students Revealed in 'Subversives' by Seth Rosenfeld|Michael Kazin|August 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST

But when I asked Haneke if he agrees with this argument, he coyly replied, “If you like.”
Michael Haneke Film ‘Amour’ Explores Euthanasia and the Purity of Love|Richard Porton|May 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
But it was all forgotten the next moment, as he sprang after the she-wolf, who was coyly leading him a chase through the woods.
White Fang|Jack London
"I haven't got used to it meself yet," Mrs. Baker-Bridges said coyly.
The War-Workers|E.M. Delafield
The highly coloured Kite, reaching down from the mantelpiece a paper fan, held it coyly before her face.
Passing of the Third Floor Back|Jerome K. Jerome
How coyly does she dispose her garments and floating drapery to hide the too-maddening symmetry of her limbs!
The Bon Gaultier Ballads|William Edmonstoune Aytoun
The girl held a tight grip on the leash and looked at him coyly.
The Monster|S. M. Tenneshaw

British Dictionary definitions for coyly

coy

/ (kɔɪ) /

adjective

(usually of a woman) affectedly demure, esp in a playful or provocative manner

shy; modest

evasive, esp in an annoying way

Derived Formscoyish, adjectivecoyly, adverbcoyness, noun

Word Origin for coy

C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētus quiet

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for coyly

coy

adj.

early 14c., "quiet, modest, demure," from Old French coi, earlier quei "quiet, still, placid, gentle," ultimately from Latin quietus "resting, at rest" (see quiet (n.)). Meaning "shy" emerged late 14c. Meaning "unwilling to commit" is 1961. Related: Coyly; coyness.

coy