timid

[ tim-id ]

adjective

, tim·id·er, tim·id·est.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈtimidly, adverb
• tiˈmidity, noun

Other Words From

• ti·mid·i·ty [ti-, mid, -i-tee], tim·id·ness noun
• tim·id·ly adverb
• o·ver·tim·id adjective
• o·ver·tim·id·ly adverb
• un·tim·id adjective
• un·tim·id·ly 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

Abnormal animal behavior is often a sign of infection, like bats flying in the daytime or normally timid creatures interacting with humans.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the timid and bespectacled Milhouse Van Houten is her “main guy,” she said in a career retrospective shared as part of Wednesday’s retirement announcement.

From Los Angeles Times

Billy knew something wasn't right when the usually timid animal sat next to him to eat her prey.

From BBC

"My cat can get a bit timid, especially when the explosions are going on quite loudly," he said.

From BBC

“While firms continue to move fast and break things, timid regulation could cost lives… We have to find a way to move faster and to be bolder”.

From BBC

Related Words

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