timidly
5
3.2
- adverb
- /ˈtɪmɪdli/
- 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
11
1.0
Behave in a quiet, nervous way around other people
10
3.2
In a slow, unsure way because of doubt
6
3.4
Showing that you are afraid
2
6.1
In a quiet, modest way that shows shyness
1
8.4
In a very frightened way that shows no courage
1
3.5
In a shy, embarrassed way that avoids eye contact
1
8.1
To speak or move in a shaky, nervous way
1
6.1
In a slow, unsure way that shows doubt
1
7.9
In a shy way that shows little confidence
1
7.4
In a slow, unsure way that shows little confidence
1
5.8
In a way that shows shaking from fear, cold, or weakness
1
5.0
In a nervous way that shows little confidence
1
8.2
To act in a shy and scared way
1
7.0
Someone or something moves in a nervous, jumpy way
1
5.8
In a way that makes someone's face go red because they feel embarrassed or shy
1
8.0
In a quiet way, not wanting to speak or give information
1
7.5
With an unsteady, unsure voice or movement that shows doubt
1
9.9
Acting in a scared way and avoiding conflict
1
7.7
In a way that shows little courage or confidence
1
8.5
In a weak, quiet way that shows little confidence
1
9.9
To do something in a nervous or afraid way
In a cowardly way that shows no courage
Antonyms
How Timid
Surface Forms
Morphology
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'.