Timid: Definition, Examples, and Usage Tips

Meaning 1：shy and fearful (timid)

timid 🔊

/ˈtɪmɪd/

adj.

feeling or showing a lack of confidence and easily frightened.

Timid child peeking from behind mother's leg in park

shy and fearful 🔊

➕

/ʃaɪ ənd ˈfɪərfəl/

adj.

Feeling or showing a lack of confidence; easily frightened.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'timidus', from 'timere' (to fear). Root: tim- (fear) + -id (adjective suffix).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'Tim' the mouse who always hides timidly from the cat.

📖 Example

On his first day at the English speaking club, he was too timid to introduce himself to anyone. 🔊 On his first day at the English speaking club, he was too timid to introduce himself to anyone.

🔗 Collocations

timid approach – a shy, hesitant way of dealing with something

timid smile – a nervous, restrained smile

timid voice – a quiet, fearful tone of speech

🔄 Synonyms

shy (adj.) – Nervous or hesitant in the company of others.

diffident (adj.) – Lacking self-confidence; modest or reserved.

fearful (adj.) – Feeling afraid; showing fear or anxiety.

🚫 Antonyms

bold (adj.) – Showing a willingness to take risks; confident and courageous.

confident (adj.) – Feeling sure of oneself and one's abilities.

outgoing (adj.) – Friendly and socially confident.

🌱 Derivatives

timidity (n.) – The quality or state of being timid.

timidly (adv.) – In a timid manner.

timidness (n.) – The state of being timid.

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'timidus' (fearful), from 'timere' (to fear). Entered English via Old French 'timide' in the 15th century, maintaining the sense of lacking confidence.