shy
Avoids the spotlight
Shy describes a tendency to avoid attention or interaction, especially with unfamiliar people.
A shy child hides behind a parent's leg.
Shy can also mean short of a target: We're a few dollars shy of what we need.
Animals that are shy avoid humans.
To shy away from something is to recoil or avoid it: She shied away from commitment.
A horse that shies startles and jumps sideways.
Uncomfortably self-conscious
- meekHumbly unassertive
- mousyShy and unassertive
- sheepishEmbarrassed and timid
- timorousShowing nervous apprehension
diffident · self-effacing · shrinking · wallflower · fainthearted · skittish · tremulous · blushing
Lacking in sound
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
- reticentDisinclined to speak freely
guarded · discreet · restrained · uncommunicative · unforthcoming · secretive · closemouthed · tight-lipped
Existing alone, apart
- reclusiveSeeking isolation from others
- introspectiveExamining one's own mind
- hermitPerson choosing total seclusion
- lonerOne who avoids company
bookish · contemplative · self-contained · reflective · pensive · inward · private · homebody
Uncomfortably aware of oneself
- anxiousTroubled by uncertainty
- vulnerableOpen to attack
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
- uneasyTroubled, not calm
doubtful · uncertain · worried · embarrassed · awkward · unconfident · inhibited · unsure
Playfully romantic in manner
- playfulInclined toward fun
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- coquettishPlayfully alluring in manner
- kittenishPlayfully flirtatious
arch · sly · demure · mischievous · evasive · elusive · noncommittal · indirect
Beyond easy comprehension
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- unreadableCannot be deciphered
- sphinxlikeMysterious and impassive
- crypticObscure in meaning
elusive · watchful · unexpressive · poker-faced · impassive · unfathomable · opaque · veiled
bashful
Uncomfortably self-conscious
timorous · diffident · self-effacing · shrinking · wallflower · fainthearted · skittish · tremulous · blushing · quivering
quiet
Lacking in sound
- privateRestricted to certain parties
- aloofEmotionally withdrawn, uninviting
- taciturnHabitually uncommunicative
reticent · guarded · discreet · restrained · uncommunicative · unforthcoming · secretive · closemouthed · tight-lipped · laconic
solitary
Existing alone, apart
- reclusiveSeeking isolation from others
- introspectiveExamining one's own mind
- hermitPerson choosing total seclusion
loner · bookish · contemplative · self-contained · reflective · pensive · inward · private · homebody · withdrawn
self-conscious
Uncomfortably aware of oneself
- anxiousTroubled by uncertainty
- vulnerableOpen to attack
- inadequateNot sufficient for purpose
uneasy · doubtful · uncertain · worried · embarrassed · awkward · unconfident · inhibited · unsure · flustered
flirtatious
Playfully romantic in manner
- playfulInclined toward fun
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- coquettishPlayfully alluring in manner
kittenish · arch · sly · demure · mischievous · evasive · elusive · noncommittal · indirect · simpering
mysterious
Beyond easy comprehension
- inscrutableImpossible to understand
- unreadableCannot be deciphered
- sphinxlikeMysterious and impassive
cryptic · elusive · watchful · unexpressive · poker-faced · impassive · unfathomable · opaque · veiled · impenetrable
shyoutgoing
Sociable and unreserved
bold · extroverted · confident · gregarious · sociable
shybold
Courageous and daring
confident · daring · audacious · adventurous · courageous
- shy awayWithdraw from reluctantly
- few cards shy of a full deckLacking full mental capacity
- shy away fromAvoid through timidity
- shying awayAvoiding instinctively, fearfully
- gun shyFearful from bad experience
- one card shy of a full deckLacking full intelligence