shyly

shyly — adverb

1. doing something with a quiet, hesitant manner because you are not comfortable wi

1.adverbB1
Definition

doing something with a quiet, hesitant manner because you are not comfortable with attention from others or with meeting new people

Example

Maja smiled shyly when her teacher said her picture was good in class.

collocation: smile shyly

The little girl hid shyly behind her mother's legs when the visitor arrived.

collocation: hide shyly

Common collocations
  • smile shyly
  • speak shyly
  • hide shyly
  • thank shyly
  • offer shyly
  • ask shyly
  • look shyly
  • laugh shyly
Synonyms
  • bashfully

    more about feeling easily embarrassed or blushing

  • timidly

    suggests a lack of courage or confidence, not just social reserve

  • nervously

    focuses on worry or anxiety, which may not involve social situations at all

Antonyms
  • confidently

    with self-assurance, the opposite of hesitant

  • boldly

    willing to take social risks, not holding back

Grammar Patterns

[verb] + shyly

Usage Note

Shyly typically appears right after the verb it describes. It is most common with verbs of speaking (spoke, said, thanked, asked) and social reactions (smiled, hid, laughed).

Common Mistakes

She smiled shy at the compliment.
She smiled shyly at the compliment.
'shy' is an adjective, but after a verb you need the adverb 'shyly' to describe the action.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All four words describe hesitant or uncertain behaviour, but they differ in the cause and flavour. Shyly is the most general — it simply means acting with social reserve or discomfort. Bashfully adds a sense of being easily embarrassed or prone to blushing; a bashful person may lower their head or look away when complimented. Timidly suggests a deeper lack of courage or assertiveness — a timid person might avoid speaking up even when they need to. Nervously focuses on inner worry or anxiety, which can show in fidgeting, a shaky voice, or restless movements. For example: 'She shyly introduced herself at the party.' 'He bashfully accepted the trophy.' 'The student timidly raised her hand.' 'He nervously checked his watch every two minutes.'

shyly ↗bashfullytimidlynervously ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Shyly comes from the Old English word 'sceoh', meaning 'timid' or 'easily frightened', combined with the common adverb suffix '-ly'. The same ancient root also gave rise to the German word 'scheu' (shy, timid).