coy
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1coy

adjective \ˈki\

Definition of COY

1
a : shrinking from contact or familiarity <'tis but a kiss I beg, Why art thou coy? — William Shakespeare>
b : marked by cute, coquettish, or artful playfulness <using coy tricks to attract attention>
2
: showing reluctance to make a definite commitment <a coy response>
coy·ly adverb
coy·ness noun

Examples of COY

  1. I didn't like her coy manner.
  2. He gave a coy answer.
  3. It is distinctly odd to read a whole page dedicated to Hitler's life and character without a reference to his anti-Semitism. To say that Swiss banks contained gold coming from the bank accounts, the jewelry boxes, and the teeth of concentration camp victims is a little coy. —Ian Buruma, New Republic, 31 Jan. 2000

Origin of COY

Middle English, quiet, shy, from Anglo-French quoi, quei, koi quiet, from Latin quietus
First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with COY

2coy

verb \ˈki\

Definition of COY

transitive verb
obsolete
: caress
intransitive verb
archaic : to act coyly (see 1coy)

Origin of COY

(see 1coy)
First Known Use: 14th century

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