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timid

timid

60 3.5
Shy and afraid to do new or risky things
  • adjective
  • /ˈtɪmɪd/
translation icon : tímido
  • The scientists were too timid, and the public went to sleep.
  • very timid
  • too timid
  • more timid

It made a part of me timid and fearful.

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Examples

  • Now is not the time to be timid or indecisive.

  • The timid puppy hid behind its owner whenever strangers approached.

  • And when I say timid, I mean a little afraid to sell.

  • But if I had been more timid or something, I would have said OK, and I would have left.

  • Nothing, really, just... the more timid investors are no longer running for cover.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • The old woman would look up and smile, a timid smile that stretched across her.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • She's a little timid, but she is so sweet.

  • He is a very loving, in certain ways even timid soul.

  • "From the far end of the table, a small, timid-looking fellow raised his hand at that suggestion.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • President Bush made what summit-watchers called a surprisingly timid effort to break down their resistance.

    Academic text (1994)

Synonyms

shy
vstimid
343 1.0

Nervous and likely to avoid people or new situations

is broader, referring to lack of courage or confidence beyond social avoidance
fearful
vstimid
143 1.3

Feeling afraid or nervous and easily frightened

is the trait of lacking courage or confidence rather than temporary fear
cowardly
vstimid
84 3.9

Feeling fear and avoiding dangerous or difficult situations

is a milder general word for lacking courage and being easily frightened
wimpy
vstimid
  • Offensive
24 5.7

Lacking strength, courage, or strong flavor

is limited to lack of courage or confidence, not weakness
bashful
vstimid
18 3.2

Shy and easily embarrassed, avoiding attention

is the general lack of courage or confidence rather than social embarrassment
demure
vstimid
14 7.4

Being quiet, modest, and often shy

is about fearfulness or lack of courage rather than modest or affected behavior
craven
vstimid
  • Formal
11 8.7

Being very afraid and not willing to face danger

is a more neutral term for lack of courage without moral blame
gun-shy
vstimid
  • Informal
7 7.9

Feeling nervous about doing something because of a past bad experience

is a general nervousness not tied to previous specific events
diffident
vstimid
4 8.0

Shy and not confident about speaking or acting in front of others

is broader, applying to fear in any situation, not only social nervousness
lily-livered
vstimid
  • Offensive
3 9.9

Not brave and easily frightened

is the plain, neutral expression for lack of courage
faint-hearted
vstimid
3 6.8

Easily frightened and likely to avoid hard or scary things

is a plain label for fear rather than moral failing
pusillanimous
vstimid
  • Offensive
2 9.9

Easily afraid and not willing to take risks

is the neutral everyday word without formal criticism
timorous
vstimid
  • Formal
1 8.6

Feeling nervous and lacking confidence in new situations

is the general lack of courage or confidence rather than active fear
afraid of one's own shadow
vstimid
  • Informal
1 8.4

Very easily frightened and nervous, often jumping at small noises

is the milder form, meaning simply lacking courage or confidence
trepid
vstimid
1 9.9

Feeling nervous and afraid to do something new

is a broader term rather than showing immediate nervousness
chickenhearted
vstimid
  • Offensive
8.9

Being very easily frightened and not brave

is the neutral descriptor for fearfulness without slang tone
timid as a mouse
vstimid
  • Informal
4.9

Feels very shy and nervous around people

is the general term for being shy or easily frightened, milder
unassured
vstimid
6.3

Not confident and acting unsure

is the stable trait of lacking courage or confidence rather than mere uncertainty

Antonyms

906 1.0

Has courage when facing danger, pain or fear

715 2.5

Feeling sure about yourself or what will happen

257 2.7

Willing to take risks and act confidently

Idioms

timid as a mouse
  • Informal
4.9

Feels very shy and nervous around people

How Timid

cowardly
84 3.9
fearful
143 1.3
timid
60 3.5
shy
343 1.0
bashful
18 3.2

Surface Forms

timid positive
timider comparative
timidest superlative

Etymology

Timid comes from the Latin word timidus, from timere meaning 'to fear'. Think of someone stepping back in fear or smiling quietly because they are afraid — that's why timid means 'easily frightened or shy'.