retiring — shy and fond of being on one's own
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: shy and fond of being on one's own
Pronunciation (IPA): /rɪˈtaɪərɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- Despite being the company's top performer, Jake was too retiring to ask for a promotion.
- The retiring librarian was so quiet that some students thought she was just a very realistic statue.
- My retiring boss is having a farewell party, but ironically, he's too shy to attend his own celebration.
retiring
ADJECTIVE[/rɪˈtaɪərɪŋ/]
shy and fond of being on one's own
She's so retiring that she slips out of parties before anyone notices.
Ray's tiring from crowds - prefers quiet, shy retiring!
Though crowds are tiring, solitude proves inspiring!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From French 'retirer' meaning 'to withdraw' or 'pull back.' The sense of being shy or modest comes from the image of someone withdrawing from social situations, like stepping back from a crowd.
Breakdown
re- (back/again) + tirer (to pull/draw) + -ing (present participle suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Despite being the company's top performer, Jake was too retiring to ask for a promotion.”
“The retiring librarian was so quiet that some students thought she was just a very realistic statue.”
“My retiring boss is having a farewell party, but ironically, he's too shy to attend his own celebration.”
📚Related Words
Antonyms
Related
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