timorous
TIM-er-us
/ˈtɪm.ər.əs/
Showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence.
Literary counterpart of 'timid'; often paints a vivid image of physical trembling or emotional apprehension.
The story behind the word. Derived from Middle English 'timorous', borrowed from Medieval Latin 'timorosus', from Latin 'timor' (fear), which springs from 'timere' (to fear). It has remained a staple of poetic English since the 14th century.
Word relationships
- timid: 'Timid' is common everyday English; 'timorous' is literary and evocative of visible tremor or agitation.
- apprehensive: 'Apprehensive' focuses on anxiety about future outcomes, while 'timorous' describes a fearful disposition.
- fearless: 'Fearless' means entirely free from fear or trepidation.
- dauntless: 'Dauntless' means incapable of being intimidated or discouraged.
Commonly confused with
- timid: 'Timid' and 'timorous' share the same root; 'timorous' is simply more literary and intense.
Word family
- timorously (adverb): In a fearful or timidly nervous manner.
- timorousness (noun): Fearfulness or disposition to be easily frightened.
Collocations
- timorous knock
- timorous creature
- timorous voice
- timorous glance
Example sentences
- "Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beastie, O, what a panic's in thy breastie!" Poetic Citation (Robert Burns, To a Mouse)
- "The timorous knock on the oak door revealed a trembling messenger clutching a sealed parchment." Literary Prose
Memory hook
Timorous sound like 'tremors' — feeling so full of fear that you tremble. Timorous = full of timor (fear).
When not to use
Avoid in routine modern business emails; it belongs in formal writing, essays, or literature.
Fun facts
- Robert Burns' famous quote 'tim'rous beastie' inspired the title of John Steinbeck's classic novel 'Of Mice and Men'!
Also appears in
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