Timid and Intimidate Are Two Sides of One Word
Timid means easily frightened. The Latin root also gives the verb for making others afraid.
Timid means easily frightened or lacking confidence. Latin *timere*, to fear, produced both halves of a relationship: *timid* describes the person feeling the fear, and *intimidate* describes the person causing it. The same root also gives *timorous* and, through a religious sense of awe, *timid*'s distant cousin in *timor Dei*, the fear of God. English distinguishes *timid* from *shy*: shyness is about social discomfort, timidity about fear of risk.
- Easily frightened. *A timid creature.*
- Lacking confidence. *A timid suggestion.*
- Intimidate — to make afraid. *Intimidate.*
- Timorous — a near synonym. *Timorous.*
- Latin — *timere*, to fear. *The source.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adjective | timid | Timid. |
| Adverb | timidly | Timidly. |
| Noun | timidity | Timidity. |
| Related | intimidate | Intimidate. |
| Latin | timere | To fear. |
- A timid knock at the door.Manner.
- The proposal was too timid.Caution.
- Timere means to fear.Etymology.
Timid and its neighbours
- Timid — afraid of risk or danger
- Shy — uncomfortable in social situations
- Bashful — shy in a way that shows, often endearing
- Diffident — lacking self-confidence, from Latin for distrust
- Reticent — reluctant to speak, not the same as shy
Latin *timidus*, fearful, from *timere*, to fear.
Are timid and intimidate related?
Yes. Both come from Latin timere, to fear. One describes feeling fear, the other causing it.
What is the difference between timid and shy?
Shyness is discomfort in social situations; timidity is fear of risk or danger more generally.