shyness

shyness — noun

1. the tendency to feel uncomfortable, worried, or embarrassed when you are around

1.名詞C1
釋義

the tendency to feel uncomfortable, worried, or embarrassed when you are around other people, especially in new or unfamiliar social situations

例句

Henrik's shyness made it difficult for him to speak up during group discussions.

shyness + make it + adj + to-infinitive

Vikram's shyness began to fade after he joined the school drama club.

shyness + fade / disappear

同義詞
  • timidity

    broader meaning — suggests lack of courage in general, not just in social situations

  • bashfulness

    lighter, often endearing connotation; implies blushing or embarrassment when receiving attention

  • reserve

    more controlled and intentional — a reserved person chooses not to share thoughts freely, but may not feel anxious

  • diffidence

    formal; emphasises lack of self-confidence rather than fear of others' judgment

反義詞
  • confidence

    the opposite feeling of being sure of yourself in social situations

  • boldness

    implies a willingness to take social risks, contrasting with the avoidance tendency of shyness

文法句型

uncountable noun

用法筆記

An uncountable noun. Shyness usually describes a lasting personality trait or recurring tendency rather than a temporary mood — compare with a passing feeling of being 'shy' in a single moment.

常見錯誤

❌His shyness prevents him to speak in public.
✅His shyness prevents him from speaking in public.
💡The verb 'prevent' requires 'from + -ing' after it, not a to-infinitive.
❌She has a shyness.
✅She has shyness.' or 'She is shy.
💡As an uncountable noun, shyness cannot be used with the indefinite article 'a/an'.