coy
/kɔɪ/
Group 28Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Reluctant to make a commitment or give information; shy and modest GRE
Example in Context
The executive was coy about the company's restructuring plans, deflecting every question with vague references to ongoing review processes.
Synonyms
shydemureevasive
Etymology
Originally meant shy or quiet, often in a playful manner.
- con (Old French) — quiet
- coy (Middle English) — shy
Memory Aid
🧸Sounds like “toy”
Picture a shy teddy bear that hides whenever a child approaches — it's just too COY to be cuddled!
Visual Association
🙈A cute animal peeking out from behind a tree, too bashful to show itself.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “coy” mean on the GRE?
coy (adjective) means “Reluctant to make a commitment or give information; shy and modest”. The executive was coy about the company's restructuring plans, deflecting every question with vague references to ongoing review processes.
How to remember “coy” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “coy” sounds like “toy”. Picture a shy teddy bear that hides whenever a child approaches — it's just too COY to be cuddled!
What are synonyms for “coy”?
Common synonyms: shy, demure, evasive.