Retiringly

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that shows shyness or a tendency to avoid social interaction
2. Expressing a quiet, modest, and unassuming behavior or attitude
3. Done with discretion and modesty, indicating a preference for privacy or withdrawal

Etymology: "Retiringly" is about as transparent as English formations get: it is the adverb of "retiring", with the suffix "-ly" added to it. "Retiring" itself comes from the verb "retire", which entered English from French "retirer", meaning "to withdraw", built from "re-" (back) and "tirer" (to draw). So the core idea is drawing back, pulling away from view, and the adjective "retiring" took on the sense of a person who shrinks from company or publicity. The adverb simply carries that temperament into manner: someone who behaves "retiringly" acts with the quiet reserve of someone who would rather not be noticed. The word is therefore less a coinage than a grammatical extension of a sense that was already well established by the time the adjective was in use.

Synonyms: shyly, modestly, reservedly, timidly, discreetly

Antonyms: boldly, confidently, assertively, outgoingly, fearlessly