adjective

timid

TIM-id/ˈtɪmɪd/

Shy or easily frightened.

The timid girl stands behind her parent while meeting the other children.

A shy young white girl stands timidly behind a parent while meeting new children, gentle anxious body language.

Etymology

Latin timidus described someone fearful or afraid. The English sense includes the social expression of that fear: shyness or a reluctance to act confidently.

In context

ASB-Iclif Executive Education Centre20:31

but I forced myself because I was so timid and shy I said no I will go

Iclif : The Leaders Room | Helen Read

More examples

She gives a timid smile before introducing herself.
He feels timid about asking his boss for help.
Even a timid speaker can learn to address a crowd.

Forms

timid · timider · timidest

timidly adverb — In a shy or fearful way.

timidity noun — The quality of being shy or fearful.

Similar words

shy: Emphasizes discomfort around people rather than fear of danger.
fearful: Emphasizes being afraid rather than simply lacking social confidence.
diffident: Emphasizes self-doubt and reluctance to speak or act.