French word

timide

Pronunciation

IPA/timid/

Meaning

  • adjectiveshy

Example

Elle est timide.

She is shy.

Illustration for timide (shy)

More examples

Quand il parle devant des inconnus, il est timide.

When he speaks in front of strangers, he is shy.

Core concept

A person holds back in a social exchange, showing reserve through a quiet voice and hesitant manner.

Common phrases

  • se montrer timide

    to act shy

  • un sourire timide

    a shy smile

  • très timide

    very shy

Similar words

réservé: Restrained in speech and behavior, revealing little about private life or feelings.
gêné: Unable to act naturally because of embarrassment or awkwardness.

Definition in French

Qui manifeste de la réserve ou de la gêne dans les relations avec les autres.

Word origin

French timide comes from Latin timidus, meaning fearful or easily frightened, which derives from timere, meaning to fear.

Usage tips

  • Timide describes both a person's character and a restrained manner, as in une voix timide or une réponse timide.

Other meanings

  • reservedadjective

Opposites

  • extravertioutgoingadjective
  • assuréself-assuredadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word