shied: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts).
Quick answer
What does “shied” mean?
The past tense and past participle of 'shy' (verb), meaning to move suddenly away from something out of fear, nervousness, or aversion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past tense and past participle of 'shy' (verb), meaning to move suddenly away from something out of fear, nervousness, or aversion.
It can also figuratively mean to avoid or recoil from something due to reluctance or apprehension.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The underlying verb 'shy' is slightly more common in equestrian contexts in BrE, but the usage is identical.
Connotations
Similar connotations of suddenness and skittishness in both varieties.
Frequency
Low-to-medium frequency in both, most common in specific contexts (e.g., describing animals, reactions).
Grammar
How to Use “shied” in a Sentence
shied at [object/noun phrase]shied awayshied away from [noun phrase/gerund]shied from [noun phrase/gerund]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shied” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The mare shied at a plastic bag blowing across the lane.
- He's always shied away from public speaking.
American English
- The horse shied when the gate slammed shut.
- She shied away from committing to the plan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The CEO shied away from making a risky investment.'
Academic
Rare, except in literary analysis or psychology to describe reactions.
Everyday
Most common. 'The cat shied at the sound of the vacuum.'
Technical
Primarily in equestrian/veterinary contexts to describe animal behaviour.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shied”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shied”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shied”
- Using 'shied' as an adjective (*He was very shied). Confusing it with the present tense 'shy' in past contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The adjective 'shy' (meaning timid) does not have a past tense. 'Shied' is only the past tense of the verb 'to shy', meaning to startle or recoil.
Primarily for living things (animals, people). It can be used metaphorically for entities like governments or markets ('The market shied away from tech stocks').
'Away from' is the most common collocation for the metaphorical use (to avoid). 'At' is common for the physical reaction (shied at a noise).
Yes. 'Shied' serves as both the simple past ('He shied') and the past participle for perfect tenses ('He has/had shied away from conflict').
The past tense and past participle of 'shy' (verb), meaning to move suddenly away from something out of fear, nervousness, or aversion.
Shied is usually neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts). in register.
Shied: in British English it is pronounced /ʃaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He] shied away from the limelight.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHY person at a party who SHIED away from the crowd.
Conceptual Metaphor
AVOIDANCE IS PHYSICAL RETREAT (e.g., shying away from a difficult conversation).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'shied' used CORRECTLY?