timorous
The timorous child hid behind his mother during the thunderstorm.
The nervous child hid behind his mother during the thunderstorm.
Showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or lack of confidence.
Her timorous voice trembled as she addressed the large audience.
Her nervous voice shook as she spoke to the big crowd.
The timorous deer froze in the headlights, unable to move.
The fearful deer stood motionless in the headlights.
Often describes behavior in situations perceived as threatening or unfamiliar, even if objectively harmless.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'timid'
'Timorous' often implies a deeper, more chronic fearfulness, while 'timid' suggests shyness or lack of courage in specific situations. Compare: 'a timorous person' (chronically fearful) vs. 'a timid response' (hesitant in a particular moment).
Gold Rule
Use in formal contexts
Reserve 'timorous' for written or formal spoken English. In everyday conversation, prefer 'nervous,' 'shy,' or 'afraid.'
Word Origin
From Latin *timor* (fear) + *-osus* (full of), via Old French *timoros*. First recorded in English in the late 15th century.
Usage Notes
While often negative, 'timorous' can imply caution rather than cowardice in some contexts. It is more formal than 'timid' or 'nervous' and is rarely used in casual speech.