timid Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun people who are fearful and cautious
    cautious.
    • whitewater rafting is not for the timid
  2. adjective showing fear and lack of confidence
  3. adjective lacking self-confidence
    shy; diffident; unsure.
    • stood in the doorway diffident and abashed
    • problems that call for bold not timid responses
    • a very unsure young man
  4. adjective satellite lacking conviction or boldness or courage
    fainthearted; faint-hearted; faint.
    • faint heart ne'er won fair lady

WordNet

Tim"id adjective
Etymology
L. timidus, fr. timere to fear; cf. Skr. tam to become breathless, to become stupefief: cf. F. timide.
Definitions
  1. Wanting courage to meet danger; easily frightened; timorous; not bold; fearful; shy.
    Poor is the triumph o'er the timid hare. Thomson.
    Syn. -- Fearful; timorous; afraid; cowardly; pusillanimous; faint-hearted; shrinking; retiring. -- Tim"id*ly, adv. -- Tim"id*ness, n.

Webster 1913