shyly

Everyday

In a shy way — nervously and quietly, because you feel uncomfortable with other people or new things. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, a new pupil might smile shyly on the first day. In stories, "shyly" shows a character's feelings: they are nervous, gentle or embarrassed. Phrases: smiled shyly, said shyly, looked away shyly.

Examples

• The new girl smiled shyly at the class. tree →
• He shyly asked if he could join the game. tree →
• The puppy peeked out shyly from behind the sofa. tree →
• She shyly handed the teacher a card. tree →
• The little boy looked shyly at his feet. tree →
• "Thank you," she said shyly. tree →
• The brothers looked shyly at their mother's friend. tree →

Note

Spelling: shy + ly = shyly (keep the y). Also seen as "shily" in old books, but "shyly" is standard. Noun: shyness.