Skip to the word

Added 9 October 2026

timid

/ˈtɪmɪd/ noun

In Latin: meticulosus, timidus, pavidus Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about timid at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

People who are fearful and cautious.
whitewater rafting is not for the timid

adjective

Showing fear and lack of confidence.
Lacking self-confidence.
stood in the doorway diffident and abashed
Lacking conviction or boldness or courage.
faint heart ne'er won fair lady

Origin

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

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Back to today's word