What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Coy vs Candid - What's the difference?

coy | candid |

As adjectives the difference between coy and candid

is that coy is bashful, shy, retiring while candid is impartial and free from prejudice.

As nouns the difference between coy and candid

is that coy is a trap from which waterfowl may be hunted while candid is a spontaneous or unposed photograph.

As a verb coy

is to caress, pet; to coax, entice.

coy

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) coi, earlier .

Adjective

(er)
  • (dated) Bashful, shy, retiring.
  • (archaic) Quiet, reserved, modest.
  • Reluctant to give details about something sensitive; notably prudish.
  • Pretending shyness or modesty, especially in an insincere or flirtatious way.
  • Soft, gentle, hesitating.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Enforced hate, / Instead of love's coy touch, shall rudely tear thee.
    Derived terms
    * coyly * coyness

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • (obsolete) To caress, pet; to coax, entice.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Come sit thee down upon this flowery bed, / While I thy amiable cheeks do coy .
  • (obsolete) To calm or soothe.
  • To allure; to decoy.
  • * Bishop Rainbow
    • A wiser generation, who have the art to coy the fonder sort into their nets.

    Etymology 2

    Compare decoy.

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A trap from which waterfowl may be hunted.

    • References

    * [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=coy&searchmode=none]

    candid

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Impartial and free from prejudice.
    • he knew not where to look for faithful advice, efficient aid, or candid judgement.'' — Washington Irving — ''The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus (1884)
  • Straightforward, open and sincere.
    • My candid opinion was that it was all rubbish!'' — Jules Verne — ''A Journey To The Center Of The Earth
  • Not posed or rehearsed.
    • will the introduction of supplementary flash or flood intrude on a candid picture situation or ruin the mood? — Popular Photography (2002)

    Synonyms

    * frank * open * parrhesiastic * sincere * unreserved

    Related terms

    * candelabrum * candela * candidate * candle * candlepower * candlestick * candour * chandler * chandlery

    External links

    * *

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A spontaneous or unposed photograph.
    • His portraits looked stiff and formal but his candids showed life being lived.