How to Pronounce "a shrinking violet"
expression
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ/ /ˈvaɪəɫɪt/, /ˈvaɪɫɪt
uh SHRING-king VY-uh-lit
æɪ/ /ʃɹˈɪŋkɪŋ/ /vˈaɪələt
uh SHRING-king VY-uh-lut
Definition
An expression for a person who is very shy, quiet, and does not like attention.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ/ /ˈvaɪəɫɪt/, /ˈvaɪɫɪt
British English
æɪ/ /ʃɹˈɪŋkɪŋ/ /vˈaɪələt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
uh SHRING-king VY-uh-lit
UK
uh SHRING-king VY-uh-lut
Listen in Context
Lisa is a shrinking violet in class.
He is a shrinking violet when meeting new people.
Don't be a shrinking violet; share your ideas!
You can't call Maria a shrinking violet when she's on stage.