Timid people are shy, nervous, and have no courage or confidence in themselves. A timid child, Isabella had learned obedience at an early age. confident + timidity ti·mid·ity She doesn't ridicule my timidity. + timidly tim·id·ly The little boy stepped forward timidly and shook Leo's hand
Wanting courage to meet danger; easily frightened; timorous; not bold; fearful; shy
disapproval If you describe someone's attitudes or actions as timid, you are criticizing them for being too cautious or slow to act, because they are nervous about the possible consequences of their actions. The President's critics say he has been too timid in responding to changing international developments = hesitant assertive + timidity ti·mid·ity He was soon disillusioned by the government's timidity on social reform. + timidly tim·id·ly A number of these states are moving timidly towards multi-party democracy. not having courage or confidence = shy confident (timidus, from timere; TIMOROUS)