shyness

Everyday

Shyness is the feeling of being nervous, quiet and uncomfortable with people you don't know well or when everyone is looking at you. tree →

In the lessons

In lessons about feelings, pupils learn that shyness is normal and that many people feel shy; it can get easier with small brave steps. In stories a shy character may overcome shyness. Phrases: «overcome shyness», «out of shyness», «get over your shyness».

Examples

• Her shyness made it hard to speak in front of the class. tree →
• Shyness is nothing to be ashamed of. tree →
• Out of shyness, he hid behind his mum. tree →
• A kind smile helped her get over her shyness. tree →
• Many actors fought shyness when they were children. tree →
• Shyness often fades as you get to know people. tree →
• However, he dissembled cleverly, and putting on a sweet air of shyness he approached the rebel chief with slow steps and eyes glancing like a frightened deer. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «shyness», not «a shyness». From «shy» + «-ness». Shy (nervous with people) is not the same as rude or unfriendly.