Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - timid

1. 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 ADJ • timidity She doesn’t ridicule my timidity. N-UNCOUNT • timidly The little boy stepped forward timidly and shook Leo’s hand. ADV: usu ADV with v 2. 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 ADJ c darkgreen]disapproval • timidity He was soon disillusioned by the government’s timidity on social reform. N-UNCOUNT • timidly A number of these states are moving timidly towards multi-party democracy. ADV: ADV with v