Timid means feeling or showing a lack of courage or confidence, often being shy, nervous, or easily scared in social or challenging situations.

Simple meaning

  • A timid person is shy and nervous, and not very brave about speaking up or trying new things.
  • It can also describe actions that are not bold enough, like a timid decision or a timid plan.
  • Synonyms include shy, fearful, cautious, and bashful.

In everyday life

You might call someone timid if:

  • They are quiet and avoid talking to strangers.
  • They hesitate to enter a room full of people.
  • They are afraid to take risks, like trying a new activity or sharing their opinion in class or at work.

Example:

He gave a timid smile and looked down at the floor.

Extra details

  • Part of speech: adjective.
  • Related words:
    • timidity (noun) – the quality of being timid.
* **timidly** (adverb) – doing something in a timid way, like “She walked in timidly.”
  • Origin: from Latin “timidus,” meaning “to fear.”

TL;DR: Timid means shy and lacking courage or confidence, often careful or afraid to act boldly.