adjective
retiring
ruh-TEYE-rihng
adjective
1
Shy, quiet, and preferring not to be the centre of attention.
"He was a retiring man who avoided parties and crowds."
"Despite her fame, she remained modest and retiring."
How to Use Retiring
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes someone reserved who shies away from attention.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "retiring" as in leaving a job — this sense is purely about personality.
Common pairings
a retiring nature
shy and retiring
Word Forms
retirings plural
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He was a _____ man who avoided parties and crowds.