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Timorous Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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timorous

[ˈtɪmərəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence

Synonyms

fearful, nervous, shy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
timorous

Use when describing someone who is very timid and hesitant due to fear or lack of confidence.

  • The timorous child hid behind his mother when he met new people
nervous

Use when describing a state of being anxious and worried, especially before a significant event or performance.

  • He felt nervous before his job interview
fearful

Use when emphasizing a strong feeling of fear or anxiety.

  • She gave a fearful glance at the dark alley
shy

Use when describing someone who is socially reserved or feels uncomfortable around new people or in unfamiliar situations.

  • She's too shy to speak up in class

Examples of usage

  • He was too timorous to ask for a pay raise.
  • The timorous child clung to his mother's leg.
  • She spoke in a timorous voice, afraid of the consequences.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

showing a lack of courage or confidence

Synonyms

cowardly, shy, timid.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
timorous

Use 'timorous' when describing someone who is noticeably fearful or nervous, especially in situations that shouldn't cause so much fear. It's often used in literary contexts.

  • The timorous child clung to his mother when the thunder roared.
  • She gave a timorous smile as she entered the room, unsure of the reception she would get.
cowardly

This word has a negative connotation and is best used when criticizing someone for their lack of courage in a dishonorable way.

  • He was labeled cowardly for running away from the fight, leaving his friends behind.
  • The villain's cowardly actions led to the downfall of the entire group.
timid

This word is suitable for describing someone who is not confident and is easily scared or hesitant. It can be used in both everyday and literary contexts.

  • The timid kitten hid under the bed during the storm.
  • Despite his talent, he was too timid to perform in front of a large audience.
shy

Use 'shy' to describe someone who is reserved or bashful, especially in social situations. It can also imply modesty or lack of confidence.

  • She was too shy to speak up in front of the class.
  • The shy boy blushed when he was asked to dance.

Examples of usage

  • His timorous behavior during the presentation was evident to everyone.
  • The timorous decision to retreat instead of fighting back cost them the game.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Characters described as timorous often evoke sympathy and a desire to protect them.
  • Shakespeare used the word to convey cowardliness in characters, adding depth to their motivations.
  • Timorous characters, like Hamlet, can highlight internal struggles and moral dilemmas in literature.

Psychology

  • Timorous individuals may experience heightened levels of anxiety, especially in social situations.
  • Overcoming timorous feelings often involves gradual exposure to feared situations through therapy techniques.
  • Social anxiety can manifest as timorous behavior, impacting self-esteem and communication skills.

Pop Culture

  • Timorous characters often appear in animated films, portraying the underdog theme, like timid sidekicks.
  • In video games, players may encounter timorous characters who require bravery quests to overcome their fears.
  • Movies featuring brave protagonists often contrast with timorous characters to highlight themes of courage.

Origin of 'timorous'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'timor', which means 'fear'.
  • It first appeared in English literature around the mid-14th century.
  • The suffix '-ous' typically means 'full of', so 'timorous' means 'full of fear'.

The word 'timorous' originated from the Latin word 'timorosus', which means 'full of fear'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 16th century. The term has been used in literature to describe characters who are hesitant, shy, or lacking in courage. Over time, 'timorous' has become a common adjective used to depict individuals who exhibit signs of fear or lack of confidence.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,963, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.