Timidity Meaning
/tɪˈmɪdɪti/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe state of being timid; shyness.
Sentence Examples
His natural timidity made it hard for him to speak in public.
Timidity is the state of lacking in courage or self-confidence.
His natural timidity made it difficult for him to speak in public.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her ____ prevented her from asking questions during the class discussion.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His natural ____ made it difficult for him to speak in front of a large audience during the important meeting today.
Word Origin & History
From timid + -ity, from Middle French timidité, from Latin timiditātem.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"[…] instead of the joyous voices of his playfellows he hears the rough commands of an unindulgent master or a scolding mistress; — he is continually reproached for his awkwardness and timidity, and reminded of his pauper origin."
— 1849, Minutes of the committee of council on education, page 82:
"This willingness to act underscores the German leader’s view that there is much at stake – and that Western Europe’s largest country (both by population and economic power) needs to step up to the demands. Timidity is not an option."
— 2025 December 18, The [Christian Science] Monitor's Editorial Board, “Germany’s defense of European values”, in The Christian Science Monitor:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her ____ prevented her from asking questions during the class discussion.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His natural ____ made it difficult for him to speak in front of a large audience during the important meeting today.