timid
gb/tˈɪmɪd/ us/tˈɪmɪd/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
shy and lacking confidence
Shy and not confident around people.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is timid (about/in [something])
Common mistake:
Learners often use "timid" where "quiet" or "polite" is meant; "timid" suggests fear or lack of confidence, not just low volume or good manners.
Synonyms
shy (More common and general; less formal.)
|
bashful (Often suggests embarrassment in social situations.)
|
reserved (More about keeping feelings private than being afraid.)
Antonyms
confident (Sure of oneself; not hesitant.)
|
outgoing (Enjoys meeting people and social situations.)
|
bold (Willing to act or speak without fear.)
Collocations
timid child
|timid student
|timid person
|timid smile
|timid voice
|timid manner
|naturally timid
|a bit timid
|too timid to [do something]
|timid around strangers
Themes
emotions
|social_life
|personality
Examples
- He was too timid to introduce himself at the party.
- She gave a timid smile and looked down at her shoes.
- Timid around strangers, the puppy hid behind the couch.
Learner examples
- I was timid on my first day at school.
- He is timid with new people.
adjective
B2
property
2
easily frightened; fearful
Easily scared or afraid.
Usage pattern:
[someone/animal] is timid around [something]
Common mistake:
"Timid" is less direct than "afraid"; it often describes a general tendency, not a single moment of fear.
Synonyms
fearful (More direct and stronger; emphasizes fear.)
|
skittish (Quick to startle, especially for animals.)
|
nervous (General anxiety, not always connected to fear.)
Antonyms
brave (Willing to face danger or fear.)
|
fearless (Not afraid at all.)
Collocations
timid animal
|timid dog
|timid response to danger
|timid in the dark
|timid nature
|timid temperament
|timid reaction
|timid around loud noises
Themes
emotions
|safety
|animals
Examples
- The horse is timid and startles at sudden movements.
- After the accident, he became timid about driving at night.
- They chose a timid approach because the situation felt risky.
Learner examples
- The cat is timid when guests arrive.
- I feel timid in scary places.
adjective
C1
property
3
not bold or forceful
Not strong or brave; not done in a bold way.
Usage pattern:
a timid [attempt/approach/plan/response]
Common mistake:
Don’t use "timid" for weak physical power (e.g., "a timid engine"); it usually describes people, behavior, or choices.
Synonyms
hesitant (Emphasizes uncertainty and delay before acting.)
|
cautious (Emphasizes care to avoid risk; not always from fear.)
|
tentative (Suggests something not final or fully confident.)
Antonyms
assertive (Expresses views and needs confidently.)
|
decisive (Makes choices quickly and firmly.)
|
forceful (Strongly expressed or carried out.)
Collocations
timid attempt
|timid approach
|timid proposal
|timid response
|timid criticism
|timid reforms
|timid strategy
|timid investment
|timid measures
|a timid start
Themes
communication
|work
|business
Examples
- The company made a timid effort to address the complaints.
- His answer was timid and avoided the main issue.
- The reforms were criticized as timid and too slow.
Learner examples
- She made a timid attempt to speak.
- His reply sounded timid.
Grammar
Dictionary form
timid
IPA
GB/tˈɪmɪd/
US/tˈɪmɪd/
Syllables & stress
tim - id (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (tim)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: timid
Expressions
as timid as a mouse
1/ˈæz tˈɪmɪd ˈæz ə mˈaʊs/
idiom
informal
very shy and easily scared
Very shy and easily scared.
Examples
- He’s as timid as a mouse when he has to speak in public.
- At first she seemed as timid as a mouse, but she warmed up quickly.