timorous
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “timorous” mean?
adjective.showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence.
SAT Usage
this adjective is often found in contexts related to fear, anxiety, or social interactions, such as literature or character analyses. It emphasizes a profound level of shyness or insecurity, distinguishing it from similar words like "apprehensive," which may suggest a more general unease rather than a specific lack of confidence.
Common Confusions
Timorous implies a deep-seated fearfulness or lack of confidence, while apprehensive usually suggests a more general feeling of anxiety about potential danger or misfortune without the same level of insecurity.
Do not choose timorous if the context emphasizes bravery or confidence rather than showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence.
Example Sentences
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The timorous child clung to his mother throughout the party.