timid
5 synonyms and 1 antonym for timid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Easily frightened or lacking confidence, especially in unfamiliar situations.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
diffident
fainthearted
Antonyms
How to use timid
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
timid smile
timid voice
shy and timid
Etymology
From Latin timidus, "full of fear", from timeo, "to fear".
Full origin of timid →Frequently asked questions
What does “timid” mean?
The word “timid” means easily frightened or lacking confidence, especially in unfamiliar situations. In plain terms, shy or nervous, especially when facing new people or situations.
How do you pronounce “timid”?
“Timid” is pronounced TIH-mihd (/ˈtɪmɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “timid” in a sentence?
Here is “timid” used in a sentence: “The timid puppy hid behind the sofa when guests arrived.”
What part of speech is “timid”?
“Timid” is an adjective.
Where does the word “timid” come from?
The word “timid” comes from Latin. From Latin timidus, "full of fear", from timeo, "to fear".
Is “timid” a common word?
“Timid” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
