timidity

American  

[ti-mid-i-tee] / tɪˈmɪd ɪ ti /

Sometimes timidness

noun

1. the state or quality of lacking in self-assurance, courage, or bravery.

   The stakes are too high for the officials charged with making decisions to succumb to timidity and refuse to act.

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Other Word Forms

• overtimidity noun
• overtimidness noun
• untimidness noun

Etymology

Origin of timidity

First recorded in 1510–20; from Latin timiditās, equivalent to timid(us) + -i- connecting vowel + -tās noun suffix; see timid ( def. ), -i- ( def. ), -ty ² ( def. )

Explanation

Do you suffer from timidity? If so, you probably feel uneasy in new places and situations. You might fear having to make decisions. But as you get more comfortable, your timidity will go away. The noun timidity is related to the Latin word timidus, from timere, meaning “to fear.” In fact, fear is often a cause of timidity — fear of the unknown, fear of not knowing what to do. For example, you might experience timidity in visiting a country for the first time because you aren't sure of the local customs or you don't speak the language well. Because you are afraid of embarrassing yourself, you hold back.

Example Sentences

But this is not the time for judicial timidity.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2025

Fear, panic and timidity rule the day, as they generally do.

From New York Times • May 16, 2024

He spoke about a lack of intensity, desire and warned against timidity.

From BBC • May 10, 2024

Cannons and the bells made a cacophony of celebration as pro-Union Los Angeles threw off its timidity and danced in the streets.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2024

During the daylight hours, they dove into the surf with abandon, emerging tanned and sure-footed, as if they were selkies who had let their timidity float out on the tide like a false skin.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray

Related Words

• cowardice