shy

Definition

Easily frightened; timid.

Etymology

From Middle English shy (“shy”), from Old English sċēoh (“shy”), from Proto-West Germanic *skeuh (“shy, fearful”), from Proto-Germanic *skeuhaz (“shy, fearful”). Cognate with Saterland Frisian skjou (“shy”), Dutch schuw (“shy”), German scheu (“shy”), Danish sky (“shy”). Etymology tree Middle English shy English shy

Example Sentences

• "The horses of the army, and those of the royal stables, having been daily led before me, were no longer shy, but would come up to my very feet without starting."
• "He is very shy with strangers."
• "VVhat makes you ſo ſhy of late, my good Friend? There's no Body loves you better than I, nor has taken more Pains in your Affairs: […]"

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