English pronunciation · Words Starting with C
Coyly Pronunciation
Coyly is pronounced KOY-lee, IPA /ˈkɔɪli/.
KOY-lee
US /ˈkɔɪli/ · UK /ˈkɔɪli/
Syllables: KOY · lee (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)
adverb: In a way that pretends to be shy or that holds something back on purpose.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
Coyly in a Sentence
- She smiled coyly and changed the subject.
- The company coyly declined to name the buyer.
- He referred coyly to an announcement next month.
Common Mispronunciations of Coyly
Not KOH-lee
The vowel is the oy of boy. Flattening it to an oh loses the glide that makes the word.
Not koy-LEE
The -ly ending is never stressed in English adverbs. Keep the beat where the adjective coy has it.
More words starting with c · Every word in the pronunciation guide