The meanings of modest and shy largely overlap however, modest suggests absence of undue confidence or conceit. However, diffident stresses a distrust of one's own ability or opinion that causes hesitation in acting or speaking.įelt diffident about raising an objection When could modest be used to replace shy? So whenever you need C adjectives, here is your right place. In some situations, the words diffident and shy are roughly equivalent. Believe it or not, we have a huge list of 900 adjectives starting with C below for you. Practice Answer a few questions on each word. Put off by her coy manner In what contexts can diffident take the place of shy?

While the synonyms coy and shy are close in meaning, coy implies a pretended shyness. Specifically, bashful implies a frightened or hesitant shyness characteristic of childhood and adolescence.Ī bashful boy out on his first date When might coy be a better fit than shy? The words bashful and shy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Shy with strangers When can bashful be used instead of shy? While all these words mean 'not inclined to be forward,' shy implies a timid reserve and a shrinking from familiarity or contact with others. Some common synonyms of shy are bashful, coy, diffident, and modest. Frequently Asked Questions About shy How does the adjective shy contrast with its synonyms? Synonyms for FEARLESS: bold, brave, courageous, dauntless, doughty, gallant, greathearted, gutsy Antonyms for FEARLESS: chicken, chickenhearted, chicken-livered.

Synonyms for brave that start with c