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timidly

timidly

7 3.2
Move or speak in a shy, nervous way because of low confidence
  • adverb
  • /ˈtɪmɪdli/
translation icon : tímidamente
  • She timidly raised her hand to answer the question, feeling nervous in front of the class.
  • ask timidly

Examples

  • What on earth happened to this leg?" Timidly, she reached out to touch it.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Occasionally, a deer timidly came from the deep woods to take a quick sip or two.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • "How long have you been here?" she called timidly to the Spirit Woman.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • " No," she answered timidly, "I saw it in my house."

    Academic text (1997)
  • And the guests will file past your throne, timidly leaving their offerings.

  • I see kids who timidly hide their writing and genuinely fear writing conferences.

    Academic text (2013)
  • One morning she caved in and timidly asked the son-in-law, "Can I take three?"

    Fiction book (1992)
  • As Sally shuffles timidly into the room, the scientist doesn't look up from his reading.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The little boy, Taidgh, continued to hover timidly in the background, scuffing his foot against the stone floor.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Onlookers are stepping out of doorways now and moving timidly into the street, forming a large semi-circle.

    Fiction book (1993)

Synonyms

shyly
vstimidly
15 1.0

Behave in a quiet, nervous way around other people

is more about fear and lack of confidence rather than modesty
hesitantly
vstimidly
14 3.2

In a slow, unsure way because of doubt

focuses more on fear and low confidence than momentary indecision
fearfully
vstimidly
8 3.4

Showing that you are afraid

is more about low confidence in social situations rather than sudden alarm
demurely
vstimidly
3 6.1

In a quiet, modest way that shows shyness

is more about fear and low confidence rather than polite modesty
cravenly
vstimidly
  • Formal
1 8.4

In a very frightened way that shows no courage

expresses general nervousness rather than the deep moral failing of cowardice
diffidently
vstimidly
1 7.9

In a shy way that shows little confidence

is more about fear and nervousness than only low self-assurance
tremulously
vstimidly
1 8.1

To speak or move in a shaky, nervous way

is about general lack of confidence, not only physical shakiness
bashfully
vstimidly
1 3.5

In a shy, embarrassed way that avoids eye contact

relates to fear and lack of confidence rather than only embarrassment
timorously
vstimidly
  • Formal
1 8.2

To act in a shy and scared way

is similar but centers on general lack of confidence rather than pure fear
tremblingly
vstimidly
1 5.8

In a way that shows shaking from fear, cold, or weakness

expresses lack of confidence more broadly than just physical shaking
falteringly
vstimidly
1 7.4

In a slow, unsure way that shows little confidence

shows steady fear or nervousness rather than irregular pauses in action
hesitatingly
vstimidly
1 6.1

In a slow, unsure way that shows doubt

means nervousness and lack of confidence rather than only pausing
skittishly
vstimidly
1 7.0

Someone or something moves in a nervous, jumpy way

is steadier fear or lack of confidence rather than quick unpredictability
insecurely
vstimidly
5.0

In a nervous way that shows little confidence

emphasizes fear and nervousness rather than general self-doubt
trepidly
vstimidly
9.9

To do something in a nervous or afraid way

is broader, covering simple lack of confidence, not only anxious worry
waveringly
vstimidly
7.5

With an unsteady, unsure voice or movement that shows doubt

is more about social fear and nervousness rather than instability
reticently
vstimidly
8.0

In a quiet way, not wanting to speak or give information

focuses on fear and lack of confidence rather than reluctance to speak
blushingly
vstimidly
5.8

In a way that makes someone's face go red because they feel embarrassed or shy

expresses general nervousness or fear rather than facial embarrassment
chicken-heartedly
vstimidly
  • Offensive
9.1

In a cowardly way that shows no courage

shows fear and nervousness rather than strong moral judgment of cowardice
faintheartedly
vstimidly
7.7

In a way that shows little courage or confidence

is more about nervousness and fear rather than slow loss of bravery
pusillanimously
vstimidly
  • Offensive
9.9

Acting in a scared way and avoiding conflict

carries everyday nervousness, not the formal judgement of weak character
milkily
vstimidly
8.5

In a weak, quiet way that shows little confidence

is about fear and nervousness rather than simply being ineffectual

Antonyms

36 2.9

In a way that shows a person is sure and not afraid

How Timid

fearfully
8 3.4
nervously
87 2.3
timidly
7 3.2
shyly
15 1.0
bashfully
1 3.5

Surface Forms

timidly positive

Morphology

timidly = timid (transparent) = timid + ly

The word 'timidly' is transparently derived from 'timid' with the adverbial suffix '-ly', indicating manner.

Etymology

Timidly comes from the Latin word timere, which means 'to fear'. It is made from timid (meaning 'shy' or 'fearful') plus the ending -ly, so it means doing something 'in a fearful or shy way'.