timidity

/tɪˈmɪdəti/ (bre, ipa) · /tɪˈmɪdəti/ (ame, ipa) · /tə̇ˈmidətē -idətē, -i/ (ame, mw)

timidity — noun

1. the tendency to feel shy, nervous, or afraid when facing new people, situations,

1.名詞B2
釋義

the tendency to feel shy, nervous, or afraid when facing new people, situations, or experiences — often causing someone to hold back from speaking or acting.

例句

Mei-Lin's timidity made it hard for her to speak up during team meetings at the new company.

timidity + possessive noun as subject

Kwame overcame his timidity enough to ask one question after the lecture.

collocation: overcome + timidity

同義詞
  • shyness

    more commonly used in everyday speech; focuses specifically on social awkwardness rather than fear of situations

  • diffidence

    more formal; suggests a lack of self-confidence or belief in one's own abilities

  • bashfulness

    implies blushing, awkwardness, and discomfort in social attention

  • hesitancy

    focuses on the indecision and reluctance to act, rather than the emotional feeling of fear

反義詞
  • boldness

    willingness to take risks and act without hesitation

  • confidence

    belief in one's own ability to handle situations

  • audacity

    a stronger opposite, implying daring or even reckless courage

文法句型

timidity + about/over

timidity + of + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently describes a personality trait that causes someone to hold back from action or speech in unfamiliar situations. Often used where a milder or more temporary form of fear is implied rather than deep-seated anxiety.

常見錯誤

❌His timidity stopped him from trying the new spicy dish.
✅His fear of spicy food stopped him from trying the new dish.
💡Timidity is about social or decisional situations, not sensory preferences or taste.
❌She felt timidity about the exam results.
✅She felt anxiety about the exam results.
💡Timidity refers to a personality trait or habitual behaviour, not a temporary emotion about a specific event.