Shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others. While all these words mean not inclined to be forward, coy implies a pretended shyness (especially of women) being or pretending to be shy…
Pictures Of Coy Fish at webblakeblog Blog
If someone is being coy, they are unwilling to talk about something that they feel guilty or embarrassed about
The hotel are understandably coy about the incident.
Artfully or affectedly shy or reserved See examples of coy used in a sentence. From middle english coy, from old french coi, earlier quei (“quiet, still”), from latin qu (i)ētus (“resting, at rest”) Doublet of quit, quiet, quite and quietus.
There are 16 meanings listed in oed's entry for the word coy, eight of which are labelled obsolete See ‘meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. Definition of coy adjective in oxford advanced learner's dictionary Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
Affectedly and often flirtatiously shy or modest
I pictured myself as some sylvan deity, and she a coy wood nymph of whom i was in pursuit (washington irving). 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. Some common synonyms of coy are bashful, diffident, modest, and shy
