Question

Select the word closest in meaning to the given word:
Coy
a) Beautiful
b) Sweet
c) Talented
d) Shy

Answer 1

Hint: The word ‘coy’ refers to ‘making a pretense of modesty which is intended to be alluring'. This word is usually used as an adjective and the noun form of the given word is ‘coyness’. Another synonym of the given word is ‘timid’.

Complete answer:
A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language, for example, ‘shut’ is a synonym of ‘close’, as they convey the same exact meaning as each other. The word ‘coy’ was usually used to refer to a woman specifically.

Now, we know the meaning and usage of the given word. Let’s look at the given options-
a) beautiful - The word ‘beautiful’ refers to ‘pleasing the senses or mind aesthetically'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the word ‘coy’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
b) sweet - The word ‘sweet’ refers to ‘pleasing in general; delightful'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the word ‘coy’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
c) talented - The word ‘talented’ refers to ‘having a natural aptitude or skill for something'. This word has a very different meaning to the given word. This is not the synonym of the word ‘coy’. This is not the required answer. So, this is an incorrect option.
d) shy - The word ‘shy’ refers to ‘nervous or timid in the company of other people’. This word has the exact same meaning as the given word. This is the synonym of the word ‘coy’. This is the required answer. So, this is the correct option.

Note:
Try to understand the exact meaning of the given word. This will help you to find the exact synonym. Look through the given options and then, choose the option that is the closest in meaning to the given word.