Which adjective means to be modest and shy?

Which adjective means to be modest and shy?

• A. Coy
• B. Shy
• C. Demure
• D. Reserved

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is distinguishing shades of meaning among adjectives that describe modesty and shyness. Demure is the best fit because it describes someone who is modest, restrained, and quietly shy, often with a sense of decorum. Coy implies a calculated, playful shyness or flirtation, not genuine modesty. Shy alone denotes timidity, not necessarily modesty or decorum. Reserved suggests aloofness or social restraint, which isn’t the same as being modestly shy. So the word that best captures both modesty and shyness is demure.

The idea being tested is distinguishing shades of meaning among adjectives that describe modesty and shyness. Demure is the best fit because it describes someone who is modest, restrained, and quietly shy, often with a sense of decorum. Coy implies a calculated, playful shyness or flirtation, not genuine modesty. Shy alone denotes timidity, not necessarily modesty or decorum. Reserved suggests aloofness or social restraint, which isn’t the same as being modestly shy. So the word that best captures both modesty and shyness is demure.