coy
[ koi ]
/ kɔɪ /
Save This Word!
adjective, coy·er, coy·est.
verb (used without object)
Archaic. to act in a coy manner.
verb (used with object) Obsolete.
to quiet; soothe.
to pat; caress.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Origin of coy
1300–50; Middle English <Anglo-French coi, quoy calm, Old French quei<Vulgar Latin *quētus, for Latin quiētusquiet1
OTHER WORDS FROM coy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for coy (1 of 2)
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 forms of coy
coyish, adjectivecoyly, adverbcoyness, nounWord Origin for coy
C14: from Old French coi reserved, from Latin quiētus quiet
British Dictionary definitions for coy (2 of 2)
Coy.
/ military /
abbreviation for
company
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