coy
adjective
artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish.
coyness
-
a word derived from
coy.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That coyness persists through the second half, with a series of suspended conversations and delayed reckonings that strain for honesty, only to bog down in the familiar language of art-house mannerism.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 26, 2023
Zappe’s coyness aside, things seemed to be trending in that direction as New England began preparing to host Detroit.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 5, 2022
But the map itself isn’t coyness or frustration for its own sake.
From The Verge ● Apr. 4, 2022
He captures her coquettish coyness without caricaturing it.
From New York Times ● Sep. 30, 2021
He watched the expression of coyness on her face change to one of amazement as she counted the bills.
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
