shyly

/ˈʃaɪli/

/ˈʃaɪli/

Use the adverb shyly when someone acts in a timid or fearful way. The new kid at school may hesitate before shyly asking if he can sit at a busy cafeteria table.

If you're reserved and self-conscious, it's natural to behave shyly at social gatherings. You might stand shyly to the side, too timid to join a conversation, or shyly slip out early without telling anyone you're leaving. Shyly and shy have a Germanic root that means "afraid." Even shy people can be brave, though, like when a child shyly invites a new friend to play after school.

Definitions of shyly

1. adverb

   in a shy or timid or bashful manner
   “he smiled shyly”

   synonyms: bashfully, timidly