timid

[tim-id]

adjective

timider, timidest 

1. lacking in self-assurance, courage, or bravery; easily alarmed; timorous; shy.

   Synonyms: fainthearted, fearful

2. characterized by or indicating fear.

   a timid approach to a problem.

timid

/ ˈtɪmɪd /

adjective

1. easily frightened or upset, esp by human contact; shy

2. indicating shyness or fear

Other Word Forms

• timidity noun
• timidness noun
• timidly adverb
• overtimid adjective
• overtimidly adverb
• untimid adjective
• untimidly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of timid¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin timidus “fearful,” equivalent to tim(ēre) “to fear” + -idus adjective suffix; -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of timid¹

C16: from Latin timidus, from timēre to fear

Synonym Study

See cowardly.

Example Sentences

They wonder, “Where are the Democrats? Why is the media so timid?”

From Salon

By refusing to commit to a disquieting atmosphere, Cregger dulls his provocation, making “Weapons” feel timid, even flippant, in the face of a genuine American crisis.

From Salon

Polanski characterises the current leadership as timid, failing to take the fight to Labour and Reform UK - and of communicating in a way that "has not cut through in the way we should".

From BBC

“Bruin football,” Franklin said, “should not be for the timid or the weak.”

From Los Angeles Times

Only mere minutes had gone when it was obvious that these Wallabies were a different beast to the timid animals we saw in Brisbane.

From BBC

Related Words

• ambivalent 
• bashful 
• demure 
• diffident 
• fearful 
• feeble 
• frightened 
• gentle 
• humble 
• modest 
• nervous 
• weak