COYLY Definition & Meaning

coyly

[ koi-lee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

in a hesitant or indirect manner:
The painting shows an eighteenth-century lady flirting with a coyly blushing young knight.
in a shy or modest manner:
She read the note and thanked him coyly.
in a way that shows usually insincere or affected reluctance:
When asked about the movie, she coyly replied, "It's a big secret; I’m not going to tell anybody."

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Origin of coyly¹

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Examples have not been reviewed.

The title wraps itself coyly around its three tennis-star lead characters, aptly describing the personal and professional entanglements to come.

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He also hinted, coyly, that he might beat the Democrats “for a third time” in 2024.

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Then a smirking Trump coyly admits what a bad boy he is and repeats his slurs and slights — but even worse.

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A beaming Murray coyly waved his appreciation and thanked them for the reception.

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The ad also coyly denies long working hours, and promises all workers are paid, “Even ones with wrong religion.”

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