Library / English Dictionary

TIMIDITY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

Fearfulness in venturing into new and unknown places or activities

Synonyms:

timidity; timorousness

Classified under:

Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects

Hypernyms ("timidity" is a kind of...):

fearfulness (the trait of being afraid)

Attribute:

timid (showing fear and lack of confidence)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "timidity"):

faintheartedness; faintness (the trait of lacking boldness and courage)

Antonym:

boldness (the trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or danger)

Derivation:

timid (lacking conviction or boldness or courage)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Fear of the unknown or unfamiliar or fear of making decisions

Synonyms:

timidity; timidness; timorousness

Classified under:

Nouns denoting feelings and emotions

Hypernyms ("timidity" is a kind of...):

fear; fearfulness; fright (an emotion experienced in anticipation of some specific pain or danger (usually accompanied by a desire to flee or fight))

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "timidity"):

cold feet (timidity that prevents the continuation of a course of action)

shyness (a feeling of fear of embarrassment)

diffidence; self-distrust; self-doubt (lack of self-confidence)

Derivation:

timid (showing fear and lack of confidence)

Credits

 Context examples: 

With quickness in understanding the tempers of those she had to deal with, and no natural timidity to restrain any consequent wishes, she was soon welcome and useful to all; and after Fanny's removal succeeded so naturally to her influence over the hourly comfort of her aunt, as gradually to become, perhaps, the most beloved of the two.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

But his intention, the kindness of his intention, was thankfully acknowledged: quite thankfully and warmly, for she was elevated beyond the common timidity of her mind by the flow of her love for William.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

He talked to her more, and, from all that she said, was convinced of her having an affectionate heart, and a strong desire of doing right; and he could perceive her to be farther entitled to attention by great sensibility of her situation, and great timidity.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)