timorous

/ˈtɪmərəs/ (bre, ipa) · [tˈɪmɚəs] /ˈtɪmərəs/ (ame, ipa) · [tˈɪmɚəs] /ˈti-mə-rəs How to pronounce timorous (audio) ˈtim-rəs/ (ame, mw)

timorous — adjective

  • timorouspositive
  • more timorouscomparative
  • most timoroussuperlative

1. feeling or showing a lack of courage and confidence, so that you are afraid to s

1.形容詞C1
釋義

feeling or showing a lack of courage and confidence, so that you are afraid to speak up, act, or try something new

例句

Sirin gave a timorous knock on the headmaster's door before entering.

attributive: describes a nervous action

The timorous puppy hid behind the sofa whenever a stranger arrived.

同義詞
  • timid

    more common and neutral; can describe personality as well as behaviour

  • shy

    broader — describes social awkwardness, not necessarily fear

  • diffident

    similar register; focuses on lack of self-confidence rather than fearfulness

  • fearful

    stronger emotional tone; emphasises being afraid rather than lacking confidence

反義詞
  • bold

    confident and willing to take risks

  • confident

    sure of one's own abilities, not hesitant

文法句型

timorous + about + noun/gerund

用法筆記

More formal and literary than timid or shy; often describes a person's actions or manner in a specific situation rather than an enduring personality trait.

常見錯誤

❌She is timorous to speak in public.
✅She feels timorous about speaking in public.
💡'timorous' is followed by 'about' plus a gerund, not a to-infinitive.