timid

Definition

Lacking in courage or confidence.

Etymology

From Middle French timide, from Latin timidus (“full of fear, fearful, timid”), from timeō (“I fear”).

Example Sentences

• "John's a very timid person. I doubt he'll be brave enough to face his brother."
• "When Timothy and Julia hurried up the staircase to the bedroom floor, where a considerable commotion was taking place, Tim took Barry Leach with him.[…]. The captive made no resistance and came not only quietly but in a series of eager little rushes like a timid dog on a choke chain."

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