timid
UK: ˈtɪmɪd | US: ˈtɪmɪd
adj. lacking courage or confidence; easily frightened
adj. showing fear or hesitation
The word "timid" traces back to the Latin timidus, derived from timere ("to fear"). The suffix -id was adopted into English via French, solidifying its role in describing a fearful or hesitant nature. The morpheme "tim" persists in related words like "timorous" (fearful) and "intimidate" (to frighten), showcasing its consistent thematic link to fear.
The timid kitten hid under the sofa during the thunderstorm.
She gave a timid smile when asked to speak in front of the crowd.
His timid approach to negotiations often resulted in missed opportunities.
The timid child clung to her mother’s hand on the first day of school.
Despite his talent, his timid demeanor kept him from auditioning.