Sun-shy

Describing a person, animal, or plant that avoids direct sunlight due to discomfort, sensitivity, or a preference for shade. This behavior can be caused by various factors, including pale skin, light-sensitive eyes, or adaptations for a nocturnal or crepuscular lifestyle. A sun-shy individual or organism will often seek out shaded areas, avoid peak sun hours, and may exhibit signs of distress like squinting or seeking shelter in response to bright sunlight. It is a common trait in many species, especially those living in hot environments.

Sun-shy meaning with examples

• The fair-skinned tourist, feeling the prickling heat, quickly retreated under a large beach umbrella, a textbook example of someone sun-shy. She preferred the cool, filtered light to the intense glare of the midday sun and was always careful to apply sunscreen. After spending time inside, she realized being in the heat was causing her skin to become increasingly red, and was not enjoying the trip, seeking refuge inside.
• The nocturnal creatures emerged only after dusk, sun-shy by nature. Their dark fur and sensitive eyes made them ill-equipped to handle direct sunlight. Instead, they waited until the sun dipped below the horizon to start their nightly activities. Finding the shade during the day allowed them to avoid the strong sun, and provided the perfect habitat for them to live and flourish.
• The delicate wildflowers, often found in the forest, flourished in the sun-shy areas along the forest floor. They avoided direct sunlight, instead growing in the partial shade of the canopy. The limited light allowed them to grow and reproduce without being exposed to the harsh sunlight that would burn the petals and damage the leaves. It was a smart way for them to exist within the natural environment.
• The farmer knew that his plants, having grown inside, were sun-shy when they were first transplanted outdoors. He carefully hardened them off by gradually exposing them to more sunlight. Protecting the young plants from direct sunlight would help them adjust to the environment by allowing them to withstand harsher environmental factors such as droughts and changing weather patterns.